Why Pet Owners Are Delaying Vet Visits: The Financial Struggle Affecting Animal Welfare

For many pet owners, the rising costs of veterinary care are more than just a financial inconvenience—they’re creating barriers to essential treatments and impacting animal welfare. Recent findings from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the UK’s veterinary sector highlight this growing crisis, but what’s driving the increase in costs? More importantly, how is it affecting pet owners and their pets?

Let’s explore the root causes, the consequences of delayed care, and what needs to change to ensure that pets receive the treatment they deserve.

What’s Behind Rising Vet Costs?

Veterinary expenses have increased sharply in recent years, outpacing inflation and adding pressure to pet owners’ wallets. Several factors are contributing to this rise:

• Corporate Consolidation: The rapid consolidation of veterinary practices under large corporate groups has changed the competitive landscape. While corporates bring investments in modern facilities and advanced treatments, critics argue that they can also drive up prices due to reduced competition.
• Advancements in Veterinary Medicine: New diagnostic tools, treatments, and technologies have greatly improved the quality of pet care but come at a cost. As practices adopt state-of-the-art equipment, expenses inevitably rise.
• Staffing and Workforce Challenges: The veterinary profession is facing significant staff shortages, which have driven up wages for vets and veterinary nurses. Practices must pass some of these costs onto clients to remain sustainable.
• Rising Operational Costs: Overheads like rent, utilities, and medical supplies have also increased, contributing to the overall cost of running a veterinary practice.

These factors combine to create a financial burden for pet owners, with some turning to social media to voice their frustrations about escalating treatment costs.

The Impact of Delayed Vet Visits

When pet owners delay or avoid veterinary visits due to cost concerns, the consequences can be serious. Common outcomes include:

• Worsening Health Conditions: Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to minor health issues escalating into major, more costly problems.
• Higher Emergency Costs: Pets that don’t receive timely care often require emergency treatment, which is typically more expensive than routine or preventive care.
• Difficult Welfare Decisions: Some owners, unable to afford treatment, face the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pets to charities or, in extreme cases, opting for euthanasia.

According to research from pet charities, thousands of pets are surrendered annually due to financial difficulties, highlighting the direct link between affordability and animal welfare.

How Pet Insurance Fits Into the Picture

Pet insurance is often seen as a safety net for managing unexpected veterinary expenses. However, rising insurance premiums are making it less accessible for many households. Premiums have seen significant increases, with some policies rising by 21% as of March 2024. As a result, many owners are opting for lower coverage or cancelling their policies altogether, leaving them exposed to sudden, high costs.

Insurance companies base premiums on factors such as the average cost of veterinary care and claims history. With veterinary fees on the rise, it’s no surprise that premiums have followed suit, creating a vicious cycle where affordability becomes an increasing challenge.

What Needs to Change?

The CMA’s investigation aims to address some of the underlying issues contributing to high veterinary costs and accessibility concerns. Potential changes could include:

• Increased Price Transparency: By requiring practices to publish their core prices, pet owners can compare costs and budget accordingly.
• Support for Independent Practices: Ensuring that smaller, independent clinics can remain competitive could provide pet owners with more affordable options.
• Regulatory Reforms: Revisiting the Veterinary Surgeons Act and introducing guidelines for business-level regulation could help control costs without compromising care quality.
• Flexible Pricing Models: Encouraging practices to offer fixed-fee or subscription-based pricing could make veterinary care more predictable and manageable for pet owners.

How Pet Owners Can Navigate Rising Costs

While systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of rising costs, there are steps pet owners can take now:

• Ask About Payment Plans: Some veterinary practices offer payment plans or financing options to help spread the cost of care.
• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations can help catch issues early, potentially avoiding more expensive treatments later.
• Shop Around: If cost is a concern, compare prices across multiple clinics to find one that fits your budget.
• Consider Pet Savings Funds: Setting aside small, regular savings for future veterinary expenses can provide a buffer in case of emergencies.

Final Thoughts

The financial struggle faced by pet owners is a pressing issue with significant implications for animal welfare. Delayed or missed treatments can have devastating consequences, not only for the pets affected but also for the families who care for them. The CMA’s investigation offers hope for meaningful change, but in the meantime, it’s crucial for pet owners to be proactive in managing their pet’s healthcare costs.

For a deeper discussion on this topic and insights into how the veterinary profession is addressing the affordability crisis, listen to my podcast episode, Are Big Corporates Driving Up Vet Costs? Inside the CMA’s Vet Sector Inquiry, where I explore these issues from both a professional and personal perspective.