Pet owners in the UK could save up to £50 on each veterinary visit by making a simple 10-minute phone call, according to an expert. Eddie Holmes, founder of VetsCompared.com, which analyses costs across 2,200 veterinary practices, revealed that independent vets are consistently cheaper for routine treatments than corporate chains.
Cost Differences Between Independent and Corporate Vets
Holmes explained that for puppy and kitten vaccinations, corporate chain practices charge an average of 26% more than independent vets. For a typical dog owner with annual costs including a vaccination, kennel cough vaccination, two consultations, and one prescription, independent vets are more than £20 cheaper overall. “If you have multiple pets, as so many households do, the savings can quickly add up, especially if there are additional treatments required,” Holmes added.
Shop Around Locally
Holmes urged pet owners to call several local vets before registering, rather than defaulting to the nearest practice. “Even within the same town, vaccination prices can vary by £40 to £50 between the cheapest and most expensive practice. In other words, a 10-minute phone call to three or four local vets before registering could save you hundreds over your pet's lifetime,” he said.
Savings on Prescription Medications
For pets on long-term medication, Holmes recommended buying prescriptions online. The median vet prescription fee across the UK is £20. “Getting a written prescription and buying from an accredited online pharmacy can save people significant amounts compared to buying directly from the practice. Many pet owners simply aren’t aware that they can ask for a written prescription and then buy their medicines online. They don’t have to buy from the vet who their pet is registered with,” Holmes said.
Don't Skip Annual Check-Ups
Holmes also warned against skipping annual check-ups, even for healthy-looking pets. “Prevention is far cheaper than cure. While the cost of a booster vaccination ranges from £60 to £73, out-of-hours emergency fees often exceed £300 before any medicines or other treatments are considered. Keeping vaccinations up to date and catching health issues early is the single biggest way to avoid expensive emergency bills,” he said.
With an estimated 36 million pets in the UK and six in 10 households owning at least one pet, these savings could have a significant impact on household budgets over the lifetime of a pet.
