A simple step could help pet owners save money now, after a concerning report found vets are under increasing pressure to generate revenue.
Vet bills have soared to record levels, leaving many pet owners struggling to afford essential care. Prices charged by UK vets rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023, prompting the government’s competition regulator to question whether the pet-care market offers value for money.
Vets told BBC Panorama they feel under increasing pressure to generate revenue for large corporate groups - raising concerns about the financial impact on pet owners.
Almost three-quarters (74%) of owners surveyed by the RSPCA in 2025 said pet care is more expensive now than a year ago. Over one-third (34%) admitted they had to cut back on essentials - from pet food to vet visits - to afford treatment.
But there is a way to reduce costs, according to Dr Charlotte Inness, leading veterinarian and founder of VetMedi.co.uk.
“Many pet owners are being hit with substantial costs for treatment, and a large proportion comes from prescriptions and medication after treatment,” she says.
“While proposals from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) - including a £16 cap on prescription fees - could bring welcome relief, these changes aren’t expected to come into force until late 2026.
“In the meantime, there’s a simple step many owners don’t realise they can take.
“Most people don’t know they have the right to request a written prescription from their vet. That prescription can then be used at a licensed online pharmacy, often at a fraction of the cost charged in-practice.”
How to make savings instantly in three easy steps:
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Ask your vet for a written prescription - Vets must provide a written prescription if requested, although a fee may apply. This allows owners to shop around rather than purchasing medication directly from the practice.
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Use a VMD-accredited online pharmacy - Only buy from pharmacies approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). These sell genuine, regulated medicines and are often significantly cheaper.
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Plan ahead for ongoing treatment - If your pet needs long-term medication, ask whether a longer prescription is appropriate. Fewer repeat prescriptions can help reduce overall costs.
The future of veterinary care
Under proposed reforms by the CMA, veterinary practices may soon be required to publish clearer price lists and cap prescription fees.
The CMA’s provisional findings, published in October 2025, followed an investigation into the UK’s £6.3 billion veterinary sector. Recommendations include improved price transparency, limits on prescription fees, and a comprehensive price comparison website.
The watchdog found that veterinary prices have risen 63% over seven years, far outpacing inflation, and that owners pay an average of 16.6% more at large vet groups than at independent practices. The CMA’s final decision is expected by March 2026, with some measures potentially coming into force before the end of the year.
For more expert tips on saving money on pet care, visit VetMedi’s advice hub
