Fees and pricing

No NHS for animals

Unlike human healthcare, veterinary care in the UK isn’t free. Veterinary practices are private businesses that set their own prices for treatments and services.

The RCVS does not control veterinary fees and has no legal power to set prices or investigate pricing complaints.

Comparing fees between practices

There are no statutory or set charges for veterinary services, so costs can vary between practices.  

When comparing prices, remember that the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best, and the cheapest isn't always the best value. 

Factors to consider when choosing a practice:  

• Location and facilities
• Opening hours and emergency cover
• The experience and qualifications of the veterinary team
• What's included in the quoted price
• Follow-up care and support
• Clear pricing information

Receiving clear pricing information

You have the right to clear information about costs before agreeing to any treatment. Your vet should provide enough detail for you to make an informed decision. 

This means they should:

• Explain the treatment options available
• Give you a clear breakdown of likely costs
• Tell you about any additional charges  
• Include VAT in their quoted prices
• Obtain your informed consent before starting treatment

If anything is unclear, ask questions. A good veterinary practice will gladly explain their pricing so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Discussing treatment costs

Talking about money doesn't mean you care any less about your animal - it shows you are a responsible owner. Most vets understand that cost is a real concern for many pet owners.

Your vet should offer reasonable treatment options that take your circumstances into account. They should also respect your decision if you need time to consider the financial implications. 

Obtaining written estimates

For all non-emergency treatments, your vet should provide a written estimate before starting work. This should include:

• An itemised list of likely charges
• Potential costs if complications arise
• Any follow-up care that might be needed
• All costs including VAT

Spreading the cost

Many practices offer payment plans or financing options to help spread the cost of treatment. These arrangements must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure they are fair and transparent.

Options might include:

• Interest-free payment plans for a set period
• Monthly payment schemes for routine care
• Credit arrangements for larger treatments
• Practice-specific health plans 

Using pet insurance

Pet insurance can help you manage unexpected veterinary costs. Different policies cover different things and pay out different amounts, so it’s important to check what is included. Insurance might not be the right choice for every pet or owner, so make sure it works for your situation.

When choosing insurance, check the following:

• Maximum payout limits per year or per condition
• Excess payments you'll need to make
• Restrictions based on your pet's age, breed, or species
• What counts as a pre-existing condition
• Whether the policy covers routine treatments or just accidents and illness

Your vet can only recommend specific insurance policies if they're authorised by the FCA. However, they can discuss insurance in general terms and help you understand what level of cover might be appropriate for your pet.