09 May 2000

Which? takes a broom to UK Vets

The latest Which? report has highlighted enormous variations across the country in treatment and consultation costs charged by UK Vets. In a survey of 120 vets across the country Which? found that the cost of a basic consultation for a cat or dog ranged from £7 to £27. Cat booster annual vaccinations ranged anywhere between £15 and £52. In general it seems that the most expensive cities in which your pet can fall ill are, unsurprisingly London and also Aberdeen. But according to the report these prices cannot be wholly put down to relative costs of living in different areas of the country. It pays to look around. The report found that prices vary massively even within the same city. Aberdeen for example, not only had the highest charges for the spaying of a dog at £225 but also one of the lowest at just £80. There is currently no regulation of veterinary fees in the UK. Infact until recently the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) regulated against the advertising of charges.