Vets threatened by pet owners over care bills

85% of vets or team members have felt intimidated, with costs a ‘major cause’

Nearly nine out of 10 UK vets have experienced intimidation by clients, a survey has revealed.

Data gathered by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that 85% of vets questioned said they or a member of their team had felt threatened by someone’s language or behaviour.

The statistics, based on a poll of more than 1,600 practising members, highlighted that while around half of vets have felt personally intimidated, support staff such as receptionists often bore the brunt of pet owners’ threatening behaviour.

Vets who work with companion animals were the most likely to have encountered difficulties with clients, with 89% reporting some form of intimidating experience.

Women and younger vets were also significantly more likely to have felt threatened, the survey showed.

The cost of treatment was one of the most common reasons found to be behind instances of threatening behaviour, with 98% of vets admitting feeling under pressure from clients to waive fees or accept late payment.

President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association Sam Morgan said: “We understand there can be a lot of distress when pets are ill and deciding the best course of action for a loved pet or sick animal can be very difficult.

“However, this is no excuse to be aggressive or intimidating to a member of the veterinary team.

“Animal welfare is at the heart of our work and we are always working towards getting the very best possible result for the animal’s health.”