15/10/2025
By the time you all get home this evening I'm sure the media will have had time to pour over the report released by government this morning investigating the veterinary industry. Subsequently there is going to be some vet bashing going on but I think it's very important to remember the price hikes have mostly been due to the corporatisation of the industry. Six companies own >50% of the market and in doing so limiting competition significantly and increasing control. The post below has reliably published profits of the corporate companies.
🐾ARE VETERINARY TREATMENT COSTS OUT OF CONTROL AND BECOMING UNAFFORDABLE FOR MANY OWNERS?🐾
The competition watchdog has proposed that veterinarians be required to publish price lists to allow pet owners to compare costs and find the best deals. According to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), pet owners are often unaware of treatment costs or not provided with estimates, which can amount to thousands of pounds.
⚡⚡⚡The CMA’s investigation revealed that veterinary prices have risen at nearly double the rate of inflation.⚡⚡⚡
Additional measures suggested by the CMA include requiring vets to disclose if they are part of a large corporate group, capping prescription fees, and prohibiting bonuses for recommending specific treatments. The investigation found that 84% of veterinary practice websites lack any pricing information, highlighting the absence of standardized treatment costs.
This follows a BBC File on Four investigation in April, which reported a surge in vet bills and included whistleblower accounts attributing higher costs to large companies acquiring practices. In June, vets and animal charities told the BBC that rising costs are leading pet owners to delay treatment or, in some cases, euthanise their sick animals to avoid unaffordable bills.
🐾WHY HAVE VET FEES RISEN AT DOUBLE THE RATE OF INFLATION?🐾
There are more and better treatment options for animals today than there have ever been, but......
⚕️Advanced equipment is expensive e.g. MRI, Ultasound, x-ray!
⚕️Staff are expensive!
⚕️Costs for buildings are expensive - water, electricity, rent, rates!
The majority of vets are, we expect, driven by animal WELFARE!
BUT, Investors/Shareholders/Managers are driven by PROFIT! Everyone understands vets practices are buissness's and not charities, and we accept they want to make a profit! The question is how big a profit is acceptable?
The "big six" are estimated to own 60% of the vet practices in the UK.
IVC Evidensia £1.2-1.5Billion Revenue; Profit not disclosed; 20-25%
CVS Group £6.2Million Profit, £647Million Revenue; 10-12%
VetPartners £500Million Revenue; Profit not disclosed; 10%
Medivet £400Million Revenue; Profit not disclosed; 8%
Linnaeus £200Million Revenue; Profit not disclosed; 2-3%
Pets At Home £134Million Profit; 8%
