Frequently asked questions

A standard consultation typically includes a physical examination of your pet — checking weight, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, and general condition — plus professional advice from the vet. It does not include medication, diagnostic tests, blood work, X-rays, or any treatment. These are charged separately.

A standard vet consultation costs £35–£65 across the UK, though prices vary significantly by location. London and the South East tend to be the most expensive. The CMA found a 156% spread in consultation fees across the country, driven by differences in rent, competition, and whether the practice is part of a corporate chain.

According to the CMA’s March 2026 report, vet prices in the UK rose 63% between 2016 and 2023, significantly above general inflation. The rises have been driven by corporate consolidation, increasing operational costs, and a lack of price transparency that reduced competitive pressure.

Yes, on average. The CMA found that corporate chain vets charge 16.6% more than independent practices for comparable treatments. Six large corporate groups now own more than 60% of UK vet practices, and many chain-owned practices still trade under their original local name.

You can reduce costs by comparing prices between practices, asking for written prescriptions and buying medication from online pharmacies (saving 30–50%), requesting written estimates for expensive treatments, and choosing an independent vet over a chain for routine care. From 2027, mandatory price publication will make comparing much easier.

Their flat-faced (brachycephalic) anatomy creates multiple health challenges. Anaesthesia requires extra monitoring, their skin folds are prone to infection, and they commonly suffer from breathing problems, allergies, and spinal conditions. Annual vet costs typically range from £500 to £1,000, significantly higher than most small breeds.

Annual vet costs for a healthy Labrador typically range from £400 to £800, covering check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and minor issues. This can increase significantly if your Lab develops joint problems — hip dysplasia surgery costs £1,500–£6,000 per hip.

Their long, heavy ears trap warmth and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Cocker Spaniels also produce more ear wax than most breeds. Weekly cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner and keeping ears dry after swimming can help prevent infections, which cost £100–£350 per episode to treat.

Yes — Maine Coons are one of the few cat breeds with a recognised incidence of hip dysplasia, primarily due to their large, heavy build. Around 18–24% may be affected to some degree. Treatment ranges from pain management at £200–£500 per year to surgery at £1,000–£4,000.

Yes. Many serious conditions — including heart murmurs, dental disease, lumps, and early kidney disease — are first detected during a routine check-up. Catching these early can save hundreds or thousands of pounds in treatment costs, and can extend your pet’s life. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding pain and illness.

A professional scale and polish under general anaesthetic typically costs £150–£500. If extractions are needed, the cost rises to £200–£800 or more. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests add £80–£200. Many dogs need dental work every 1–2 years.

TPLO surgery, the most common procedure for medium to large dogs, typically costs £2,500–£4,000 per knee including pre-operative imaging and post-operative care. Around 40–60% of dogs that rupture one cruciate will eventually rupture the other, so many owners face the cost twice.

Yes. Dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks of age (since April 2016) and cats by 20 weeks (since June 2024). Scotland and Wales have similar dog microchipping laws. Failure to microchip your dog can result in a fine of up to £500.

A standard blood panel can detect liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anaemia, infection, thyroid problems, dehydration, and certain cancers. More specialised tests can check for conditions like Cushing’s disease and feline leukaemia virus. Results from in-house analysers are often available within 15–30 minutes.

Ongoing management typically costs £50–£150 per month, depending on the dog’s size and the combination of treatments. This includes anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, and potentially monthly Librela injections. Over a dog’s lifetime, total arthritis costs can reach £5,000–£15,000.

Skin allergies are one of the most expensive chronic conditions in dogs. Monthly medication costs £50–£300, and most dogs need lifelong management. Over a 10-year period, total costs can reach £15,000–£40,000 including medication, special diets, medicated shampoos, and periodic flare-ups.

Yes — up to 30–40% of cats can achieve remission with early, aggressive insulin therapy combined with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and weight loss. Remission is most likely when diabetes is caught early and treatment starts promptly. Some cats remain in remission permanently, while others may relapse.

Early-stage kidney disease often has no obvious symptoms, which is why routine blood tests for cats over 7 are so valuable. The first signs are usually increased thirst and urination, followed by weight loss, reduced appetite, and lethargy. A simple blood test measuring SDMA, creatinine, and urea can detect it before clinical signs appear.

Pet insurance is highly recommended for French Bulldogs. While premiums are higher than average (£40–£75 per month for a lifetime policy), a single IVDD surgery or BOAS correction can cost thousands of pounds. A good lifetime policy can save you significant money over the dog’s life.

Yes — insurance is strongly recommended. Over 60% of Golden Retrievers develop cancer during their lifetime, with treatment costing £2,000–£8,000. Hip dysplasia surgery runs to £1,500–£6,000 per hip. A lifetime policy at £30–£60 per month provides essential protection given the breed’s predisposition to expensive conditions.

Cavaliers have some of the highest insurance premiums among small breeds because mitral valve disease affects the vast majority of them. Insurers factor in the near-certainty of cardiac-related claims, pushing monthly premiums to £40–£80 for a lifetime policy.

The CMA vet review is a formal investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into the UK veterinary market. Published on 24 March 2026, the final report found that pet owners face high prices, poor transparency, and limited competition. The CMA has ordered 14 remedies including mandatory price publication by all UK vets.

The CMA Order is expected in September 2026. Large corporate vet chains with 10 or more practices must comply by December 2026. All remaining vet practices, including independents, must comply by March 2027.

No. The CMA has not introduced price caps on veterinary treatments. Instead, it is requiring all UK vets to publish their prices, capping prescription fees, and introducing written estimates and itemised bills. The aim is to increase transparency and competition, which should put downward pressure on prices over time.

According to the CMA, buying pet medicines from an online pharmacy rather than directly from your vet can save 30–50%. The new prescription fee cap of £21 for a standard prescription and £12.50 for a repeat makes this even more practical. For pets on long-term medication, the savings can be substantial.