BVA speaks to the BBC amid reports of rising vet costs impacting animal welfare

The BBC has been hearing from vets, animal charities and pet owners and is reporting that increasing cost of vet care is having a negative impact on animal welfare, with owners delaying taking their animals to the vets or making the difficult decision to euthanase them. Charities are also saying that cost is affecting their ability to access vet care and that more people are giving up their animals.  

It comes after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently announced it is extending the timeline of its investigation into the UK vet services market for household pets citing the need for more time to fully process the extensive response it received to its proposed remedies.  

Responding to the BBC story, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “The cost of vet care in the UK has increased in recent years due to a variety of reasons. Running a vet practice, delivering highly skilled medical diagnostics and treatments for animals, is costly and fees reflect the prices vet businesses need to charge to remain financially viable and open. Like all businesses, vet practices have been significantly impacted by rising costs which too have impacted fees. In addition, veterinary treatment in the UK has advanced significantly in recent years, with many injuries and illnesses now successfully treated when in the past pet owners would have faced the difficult decision to have their pets euthanased. However, like all advanced medical care, whether human or animal, these treatments come at a cost. 

“It’s concerning to hear that some pet owners are putting off seeking preventative care or more urgent medical treatment for their animals, especially as this is likely to prolong suffering and in the long run lead to escalated, more complicated cases that could cost more to treat. If owners are concerned about cost, speak to your vet because they will always prioritise the welfare of the animal in their care and work closely with owners to find treatment plans that work for their circumstances.  

“Whilst we understand that rising costs are a concern for animal owners, many of the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed remedies, particularly around overly complicated standardised price lists and capped medicine costs, could in fact have the unintentional consequence of reducing consumer choice and potentially increasing vet fees, which could in turn negatively impact animal health and welfare. However, we fully agree with the CMA that reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the need for regulation of veterinary businesses rather than just individual vets and vet nurses is long overdue, as it’s just not right for individuals to be held accountable for business decisions they may have had no say in.”  

BVA’s response to the CMA’s remedies consultation can be found here and our response to the extension of the investigation timetable can be found here.