Why Veterinary Price Transparency Matters for Animal Welfare
At the Animal Focused Alliance, we’re proud to represent pet professionals across the UK - people who dedicate their lives to improving animal welfare and supporting the pets and owners they work with every day. But one of the biggest challenges facing pet owners and pet professionals is the rising cost of veterinary care and medication.
With the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now opening its consultation into the veterinary sector, we believe it’s vital that the voices of those working directly with animals are heard. Cost should never be a barrier to animal welfare. When owners can’t afford treatment or delay visits because of unclear pricing, animals are the ones who suffer.
Many of our members have shared examples of paying over £30 just for repeat prescriptions, and being charged twice the retail price for common medications like Previcox. This lack of consistency creates frustration and financial pressure — not only for pet owners but also for professionals trying to uphold high welfare standards. The lack of consistency in pricing creates immense frustration and significant financial pressure. It impacts not only pet owners, who are simply trying to do their best for their beloved companions, but also the dedicated professionals in our alliance who are committed to maintaining high welfare standards. It’s a systemic issue that demands attention and reform.
That’s why the Animal Focused Alliance supports the CMA’s call for greater price transparency and the implementation of caps on prescription fees. Imagine a world where pet owners have clear, accessible information about the costs involved in their pet’s care. This would empower them to make informed decisions without the added stress of hidden fees or unexpected charges.Such changes would ensure that essential treatments are never out of reach due to affordability. It’s about creating a level playing field, where the focus remains firmly on animal welfare, not on prohibitive costs. These reforms have the potential to foster a veterinary sector that is fairer, more transparent, and truly welfare-focused, a scenario that benefits every single person who cares for animals, from pet owners to veterinary professionals.
Join Us in Championing Change - At the Animal Focused Alliance, we are committed to championing initiatives that make a tangible and positive difference to welfare standards across the UK. We believe that by working together, we can advocate for a system that prioritises the health and well-being of animals above all else. Your voice matters. As pet business owners and professionals, your experiences and insights are crucial to shaping a more equitable future for veterinary care. Let’s ensure that every pet has access to the care they need, without cost being an insurmountable obstacle.
Read the whole report and complete the consultation here.
