Knaresborough family-run vet advises pet owners to shop around to avoid corporate bill shock

It follows a report from BBC Panorama which highlighted that the sector has become dominated by large corporate chains which controls around 60 per cent of the pet-care market while the competition regulator has questioned whether the pet-care market is giving customers value for money.

The programme highlighted how owners were presented with extortionate bills following treatment of their pets, leaving them with a feeling that they are being taken advantage of.

Dr Philip Simon, owner and veterinary surgeon at Your Family Vets on Wetherby Road in Knaresborough, is all too aware of the worry possible vet bills play on the mind of owners and is why he and his team are completely transparent with regard to their pricing.

Dr Philip said: “The Panorama programme certainly focused the issue currently facing the veterinary sector and that for pet owners.

“As an independent, family-run vet practice, we’ve been running an open price policy since we opened in November 2024.

"It means owners can make more informed decisions and avoid bill shock when they have to provide care for their pet.

“Also, being independent, allows us to focus on what matters most, honest, compassionate care that always puts owners’ pets first.”

As highlighted on the BBC programme the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) identified several issues including whether vet companies are being transparent about the ownership of individual practices and whether pet owners have enough information about pricing.

It also highlighted the concentration of vet practices and clinics in the hands of six companies which now control 60 per cent of the UK's pet-care market and whether this concentration has led to less market competition and allowed some vet care companies to make excess profits.

Dr Philip added: “Our advice is to shop around and where possible, use independently run practices.

"They aren’t under pressure from any corporate paymasters who just want to see as big a profit as possible.

"Interestingly, we've recently had a number of clients moving to us from local corporate practices.

“We believe that all owners should be clearly informed of all possible options and the associated costs so that they can then make a considered and informed decision.

"Care should always come before profits and medical investigations are not a one glove fits all solution.

“We know the cost of veterinary care can be a worry, which is why we aim to be open and transparent, so that owners can choose the best options for their pet.

"This is also why we offer our Ultimate Wellness Plan, which includes unlimited vet and nurse consultations, helping to spread the cost of care throughout the year.”

For more information, visit https://yfvets.co.uk/