The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a review looking at consumer experiences and business practices in the provision of veterinary services for household pets in the UK. It will explore how well the market, worth over £2 billion in the UK, is working for pet owners including whether they are receiving the information they need at the right time to get appropriate treatment for their pets.
The Scottish SPCA welcomes the review of veterinary services over concerns that pet owners could be paying too much and looks forward to engaging in the review.
Ian Futter, Scottish SPCA Chief Veterinary Officer said: “This review is very much welcomed given the cost-of-living crisis we are in. Our charity saw calls to give up pets treble in 2022 along with a 16% rise in animals coming into their care needing some form of veterinary treatment.
“More and more we are hearing from pet owners across Scotland that they simply can’t afford veterinary treatment for their pets, with even the initial consultation fees becoming a barrier to basic care. Our Inspectors are at the coalface of the animal welfare crisis in Scotland and every day they see the heart breaking consequences of pet owners not being able to afford vet fees.
“Just last week we set out plans to help more animals than ever, and to support greater numbers of pets and their owners, across the whole of Scotland. A key part of this work will see us introduce veterinary support to our Pet Aid community outreach service, helping people in our communities with basic pet care in times of need.
“We have also teamed up with the Citizens Advice network in Scotland to make it easier for people to get animal welfare support when they really need it. Citizens Advice Scotland report an estimated 220,000 people in Scotland are cutting back on pet care due to costs, and that will only increase the animal welfare crisis if we don’t get on top of it.
“We are now dealing with increasingly complex animal welfare cases, such as veterinary and behavioural challenges in pets. These challenges, alongside rising demand for its services, are fuelled in-part by the cost-of-living crisis affecting how people are able to care for their pets.”
“We remain committed to working in partnership with the veterinary sector to support the highest standards of animal welfare in Scotland and to help try and remove barriers to quality veterinary care to pet owners.”
Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA broadly welcomes the Competition and Markets Authority’s decision to review veterinary services.
“The veterinary sector has changed beyond recognition in the last decade or so with many veterinary practices becoming part of corporate groups and the full implications of this need to be understood. Any review must look at the wider factors impacting the industry, including the serious shortage of vets and vet nurses.
“Providing quality veterinary care can be very costly, so a balance is needed to both ensure fees are as affordable as possible for pet owners, while also supporting a healthy veterinary profession, which ensures protection for veterinary staff who have too often been the victims of abuse.
"We know that veterinary fees are a serious concern for many pet owners and that an inability to afford fees is having an impact on animal welfare. This comes as many pet owners feel the pinch amid the cost of living crisis, which is one of the biggest challenges in animal welfare right now.
“Rising vet fees and wider challenges in the profession impact us as an animal charity, too. Many of our animal centres are full to bursting - and rising veterinary costs can increase the numbers giving up pets, and make it harder for us to rehome animals. It also puts pressure on our charitable schemes - like veterinary care assistance vouchers.
“A healthy veterinary sector is so important to us and vets are key partners, so we look forward to engaging with this review to ensure a vibrant, successful sector offering high-quality,welfare-focused, affordable vet care.”
Caroline continued: "We remain disappointed the UK Government's budget included no specific measures to directly support the millions of pet owners struggling right now. Removing VAT on vet services for pets, including medicines, and on pet food, would be a great way to help.”
Caroline added: "Our landmark Animal Kindness Index suggests that 81% of owners are finding it expensive to look after their pets, and, as prices spiral, almost one quarter (23%) of owners are worried about feeding their pets. We fear we're seeing the impact of this on the frontline - with our officers getting called to increasing numbers of animal abandonment.
Respond to the CMA review here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-launches-review-of-vet-sector
