A vet has revealed many pet owners are missing out on big savings by not shopping around for medication.
Dr Charlotte Inness, a vet and founder of online veterinary pharmacy VetMedi, said owners have a legal right to request a written prescription from their surgery.
This allows them to buy medication from licensed online pharmacies, often at a much lower cost.
Dr Inness said: “This is the single easiest way to save hundreds of pounds, yet many owners feel too awkward to ask.
“Vets naturally make a margin on the medications they sell in-house, but you have a legal right to ask for a written prescription.”
She estimates that switching to online pharmacies could save owners more than £200 per year, especially for pets on long-term medication.
The advice comes amid rising concern about the cost of veterinary care in the UK.
Research by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that vet practices owned by large corporate groups charge around 16.6 per cent more than independent clinics on average.
Dr Inness said many owners may not realise their surgery has been bought by a larger company.
She said: “One of the best-kept secrets in the industry is who owns your vet matters.
“Large corporate veterinary groups often have standardised pricing structures that can be significantly higher than your local independent practice for the same treatment.
“If you feel your bills are creeping up, check if your surgery has recently been bought out by a larger group – you might be paying a premium for the same treatment.”
She also warned that out-of-hours care can be extremely costly.
Emergency consultations can be double or triple the normal rate, costing at least £150 more than a standard daytime appointment.
Dr Inness said: “Unless it is a genuine life-or-death emergency, waiting until the next morning for a standard appointment can save you at least £150 in consultation fees alone.”
She recommends always asking for a written, itemised quote for any treatment over £500, and checking whether aftercare and take-home medication are included.
Additional charges for blood tests, imaging, and follow-up care can quickly cause bills to escalate.
