Why Are UK Vet Prices So High? The Hidden Cost of Corporatisation

Pet owners across the UK are feeling the financial strain of rising veterinary costs, with routine treatments and emergency care increasingly unaffordable for many. A major driver behind this surge is the corporatisation of veterinary practices.

Over the past decade, large corporations have steadily bought up independent veterinary surgeries. According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), corporate ownership rose from less than 10% in 2013 to over 60% by 2021. Major players like CVS Group, IVC Evidensia, and Medivet now dominate the sector. With this shift has come a focus on profit-driven models, often at the expense of affordability.

A 2024 investigation by The Times revealed how pet owners are frequently charged premium rates for standard procedures, with some prices rising by as much as 30% in five years (The Times, 2024). Critics argue that this consolidation reduces competition and leaves consumers with fewer options and less transparency.

Furthermore, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a formal investigation in 2024 into whether pet owners are being misled or overcharged due to the growing market control of corporate chains (GOV.UK, 2024).

As vet bills skyrocket, calls for price regulation and more transparent ownership disclosures are growing louder. Until then, many pet owners are left navigating an increasingly commercialised landscape — with their furry friends caught in the middle.