Watchdog bares teeth over fears pet owners are being ripped off by rocketing vets’ bills
WATCHDOGS have launched an investigation into fears that pet owners are being exploited by the corporate giants that dominate veterinary care.
Owners can be charged £369 for an X-ray – which compares to less than £100 for a human patient at a private clinic – and more than £3 just for a telephone consultation.
There are often large price hikes on drugs, too, while some vets are recommending unnecessary and expensive treatments.
Fees have become so steep that cats and dogs, for some families, now cost more to insure than their home contents.
A typical policy is around £144 a year – but some owners of older dogs are having to fork out more than £1,700.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned owners are kept in the dark about fees and face pricey unexpected bills. It will investigate CVS, IVC, Linnaeus, Medivet, Pets At Home and VetPartners.
The proportion of practices owned by large groups has jumped from 10 per cent to 60 since 2013.
The CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said: ‘This is a critical market for the UK’s 16million pet owners. Our review has identified concerns with pet owners finding it difficult to access basic information such as price lists and prescription costs, as well as potentially overpaying for medicines.’
And Sue Davies, head of consumer rights at Which?, added that there is a risk of ripoffs, saying: ‘The regulator needs to be prepared to take strong action to ensure pet owners are treated fairly.’
This may include spelling out charges and selling some practices in areas in which they have a monopoly. They could also be forced to offer pet prescriptions to be fulfilled by cheaper, online pharmacies.
The British Veterinary Association rejected the criticism and argued the bills are ‘fair’. Its president, Dr Anna Judson, said: ‘Rising prices are a concern for everyone, but it’s vital to recognise there is no NHS for pets. Vets deliver highly specialised, tailored care and the cost is a fair reflection to the care of each patient.’
Pets At Home added: ‘We are incredibly disappointed the CMA’s findings do not fully reflect our unique business model of locally owned vet practices.’