‘Eye-watering’ vet bills at chain-owned surgeries prompt UK watchdog review
by Kalyeena Makortoff from World news | The Guardian on (#6EHN3)
Competition regulator fears fewer independent practices mean pet owners have less chance to shop around
The competition regulator is taking aim at the UK's 2bn veterinary industry, amid fears that a surge in chain-owned surgeries may be leaving pet owners with dwindling choice and eye-watering" bills.
The review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is part of efforts to protect the 17 million households who now own a pet in the UK - a figure that jumped significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Annual dog vaccinations: 70
X-rays: 395
Cat neutering/spaying: 95-175
Dog neutering/spaying: 195-295
Gastroenteritis: 592
Diabetes: 186
Lameness: 966
Seizures: 656
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): 1,686
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