Veterinary professionals have reacted to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)’s decision to launch a formal Market Investigation into the sector.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Dr. Anna Judson said: “The veterinary sector has changed significantly over recent years and the CMA’s proposed investigation provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how both veterinary teams and practices can continue to provide clients with the best possible service.
“It’s really important not to pre-empt the outcome. When the CMA launched its initial review, vet teams in practice found themselves on the end of really unpleasant, often abusive behaviour, which is unacceptable. It’s important to remember that vets enter this high-pressure profession out of genuine care for animals and will always prioritise their health and welfare.
“Rising prices are a concern for everyone but it’s vital to recognise there is no NHS for pets. Whether they are employed by corporate or independently owned practices, vets deliver highly specialised, tailored care for the UK’s pets and the cost is a fair reflection of investment in medical equipment, supplies and medicines, and the time vet teams dedicate to the care of each patient.
“We’re pleased to see the CMA acknowledging the need for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act and for regulation of vet practices, something we have been calling for. As the legislation stands, it’s not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients.”
Pets at Home, which co-locates with 448 practices under its Vets for Pets brand, said it was “disappointed and frustrated” with the CMA decision, which it said failed to fully recognise the operating model of its veterinary arm, adding that “our growth strategy is pro-competitive, introducing new competition and consumer choice into the UK vet sector.”
A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly disappointed the CMA’s findings today do not fully reflect our unique business model of locally-owned vet practices.
“Whilst our brand is national, our veterinary practices are led by individual entrepreneurial vets who have clinical and operational freedom. They choose all pricing, products and services to ensure the best care for clients and their much-loved pets in their local area, which promotes competition in the market and helps to keep prices low.
“We have been working closely with the CMA on their areas of concern and will continue to do so as their inquiry progresses to ensure the distinctiveness of our model is fully recognised.”
Michael Foote, ceo of pet insurance comparison site Quotegoat.com, welcomed the investigation. He said: “The decision by the UK watchdog to initiate a formal investigation into veterinary pricing is not just much-needed but also long overdue, addressing concerns voiced by thousands of pet owners.
“The lack of transparency in pricing has left countless pet owners in a state of uncertainty regarding the potential financial implications of treatment, leading to situations where some may delay seeking veterinary care out of fear of hefty bills, meaning animals endure unnecessary suffering.
“It always feels like such a gamble when you take an animal to the vet – you never quite know what you’ll be charged for and it’s common to walk away with a small bottle of drops that cost upwards of £60 on top of a consultation fee that you can’t claim on your pet insurance.
“Pet owners must be provided with clear and transparent pricing information upfront, akin to the clarity one expects from healthcare services such as dental care, with banding for certain types of treatments.”
