Jane Ward, Teesside Socialist Party
Vet prices are rising nearly twice the rate of inflation. The cost of pet treatments have risen by 63% over seven years, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says. Pets requiring extensive treatment can incur bills of many thousands of pounds.
Pet vaccinations can cost from £50 to £200. Neutering dogs, £120 to £700. Emergency out-of-hours care can be from £200 to £300. The blame for the spiralling prices is mostly due to large private companies buying up practices.
The CMA says that 84% of vet practice website have no pricing information at all. Included in the CMA’s recommendations were that vets should make owners aware of cheaper medicines available online, that prescriptions should be capped at £16, as well as itemised bills.
Pet insurance is available. But there are many problems. Often, policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, and exclude routine and preventative care, like vaccinations and dental treatment. Older pets have much higher premiums. Many policies have a maximum claimable amount. And claims are often denied altogether, because of what lies hidden in the small print.
Pet owners are finding that these prices are a huge burden. Many will delay a much-needed trip to the vet. Plenty of owners have had to make the heartbreaking decision to have their pet put to sleep, because there is no way they can afford the treatment.
CMA’s provisional findings are up for discussion until 20 November, before a legally binding order is published next year. The CMA’s interim report suggests that vets will be required to be more transparent and limit their prices.
We need to stop the blatant profiteering of vet practices, which is at the expense of the health of our pets, and the pockets of the pet owners, who are already suffering the cost-of-living crisis.
Six big firms dominate the vet market, they should be brought into democratic public ownership, along with the big pet food manufacturers, pharmaceutical, and insurance industries.
