Vet Costs in London – How Much Vets Charge

How much does vet care cost in London?

Vet costs in London are 25% above the UK national average. A standard consultation costs £65 to £80, compared to the national average of £40 to £65. The average dog owner in London spends £460 to £540 per year on routine vet care, and the average cat owner spends £320 to £380.

London is the most expensive region in the UK for vet care, but it also offers the most choice. There are over 540 practices across the capital, giving pet owners more options to compare than anywhere else. Corporate chains dominate — around two thirds of London practices are corporately owned, with Medivet and Goddard Veterinary Group particularly prominent. The CMA's March 2026 report found that prices in London have risen faster than in other regions over the past decade, driven primarily by commercial property costs and competition for qualified staff. However, the sheer density of practices means that fee differences of £15 to £20 for a standard consultation can exist between practices just a mile apart. Outer London boroughs such as Barking, Havering, and Bexley tend to be cheaper than central and west London, where practice rents are highest.

Treatment costs in London

Here is how common treatments in London compare to the national average. Each treatment links to a detailed guide.

Costs are averages for the region based on available data. Actual prices vary by practice, animal size, and complexity.

Key cities and towns

The main population centres in London for vet services are:

Chain vs independent vets in London

Around 66% of vet practices in London are corporately owned , above the UK average of approximately 60%. The CMA found that chain vets charge an average of 16.6% more than independent practices for comparable treatments. In London, this means choosing an independent practice over a chain could save you around £12 per consultation, or £83 or more per year on a dog's routine care.

Read our detailed comparison of independent vs chain vets to understand the differences beyond price.

How to save on vet costs in London

• Compare practices across boroughs — outer London boroughs like Barking, Havering, and Bexley typically charge 15–25% less than central London practices
• Look for independent practices in your area, as London's chain vets charge an average of 16.6% more than independents according to the CMA
• Consider practices just outside the M25 in Surrey or Essex, where overheads are lower but the commute is short
• Ask about pet health plans — many London practices offer monthly plans from £15–£25 that bundle consultations, vaccinations, and parasite treatments
• Ask your vet for a written prescription — buying medicines from an online pharmacy can save 30 to 50% compared to purchasing at the practice, and from March 2027 prescription fees will be capped at £21
• Use Pawlee when it launches to compare every practice near your postcode and find the best value in your borough

When will London vets have to publish prices?

Under the CMA's new rules, all UK vets — including those in London — must publish their prices for common treatments. Large corporate chains must comply by December 2026, and all remaining practices by March 2027. This means that within a year, pet owners in London will be able to compare fees across every local practice before committing. Pawlee will aggregate these published prices so you can compare instantly by postcode. Read more about the CMA reforms.

Compare with other regions

See how London compares to other parts of the UK.