In September, a Competition and Markets Authority review into the UK veterinary industry was announced. The review covers ‘household pets’ – cats, dogs and rabbits – but not large animals such as horses. The review aims to explore how well the market is working for pet owners who are paying for veterinary services, because of concerns around whether owners are getting a good deal, and whether the information they are provided about veterinary treatment is transparent enough.
The veterinary market is worth over £2 billion in the UK – a huge amount. The Competition and Markets Authority say that figures suggest that the cost of veterinary services has risen faster than the rate of inflation – putting household finances that are already strained by the cost of living crisis under more pressure.
As a pet owner, I find that getting treatment for a sick or injured animal can be stressful on many levels and as it is often urgent, there is little time to consider whether an expensive treatment could be cheaper elsewhere. Owners just want their pet to get better as soon as possible and don't want to have to worry about whether or not they are getting the best price.
The Competition and Markets Authority has expressed concern around the idea that many practices are now part of chains, yet some owners are unaware of this, and also around referral practices, with some owners not aware that the specialist treatment being suggested at referral hospitals is also provided by the same group.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has encouraged veterinary nurses to take part in the review, and the BVNA themselves will also be assisting in the review. However, they have also highlighted that the launch of this consultation has resulted in difficulties for veterinary staff in practice, who deal with clients face-to-face every day. Charlotte Pace, BVNA president said: ‘We would always encourage pet owners to discuss any financial concerns they may have with their vet, who will be able to provide estimates of costs and advise the best possible care available within a budget. However, we do not approve of the subsequent abuse that veterinary staff are being subjected to. Veterinary nurses do this job because they are passionate about improving animal health and supporting clients.’
The abuse of veterinary staff is concerning. While owners are understandably worried about the cost of treatment for their pets, taking their frustrations out on veterinary nurses – who have no control over the pricing of treatment – is unacceptable. Yes, someone must be making a fortune out of the £2 billion veterinary market, but it certainly isn't the hard-working veterinary nurses!
Veterinary nurses can take part in the review online here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-respond-to-the-veterinary-services-market-for-pets-review