Vet bills under microscope as prices soar

As vet costs come under fire across the UK, we take a look at who pays more where, and what’s being done to help reduce costs. 

The Office for National Statistics reported vet costs in October were almost 50% higher than they were in 2020 – creating a surge in abandoned animals.*

Pet insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk researched average vet prices across key procedures. The team analysed out-of-hour consultations, neutering and average appointment costs – to help give pet owners across the country an idea of what they should be paying.

Interestingly, the further north pet lovers in England travel, the lower prices appear to be – with the cheapest out-of-hours vet cost averaging £241, £74 cheaper than veterinary counterparts in the South East, where the cost averages £315.

Costs for neutering both male and female dogs followed suit, with female prices ranging from £390 in the North of England, up to £472 in London – 21% more expensive.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported 84% of vet practices* didn’t have pricing information on their website, making it hard to see what’s fair value.

Ian Wilson, pet insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Pets can be an expensive family member, especially around the festive season with an influx in choking hazards and poisonous foods  – families need to know they can rely on their vet to give them the best possible treatment at the best possible price. 

“The differences in vet costs across the country is worrying, with those in London forking out over 20% more for the same care as those in the North of England.

“It is positive news however that the CMA are pushing for consistent pricing across the UK and for increased transparency when it comes to explaining options and procedures.

“Talking about money can be a sensitive conversation to have in the vets, which is why it’s so important that prices are clearly displayed and readily available, to help animal lovers through a challenging time.

“In a recent survey, Tiger found that 26% of people don’t initially ask about price when they visit the vet, making it crucial to protect their interests and implement these new measures.

“Pet owners need access to all the information surrounding their pets care and their available choices – helping them to make informed decisions and shop around for affordable prices.

“Pet insurance can also help support families with the costs, covering illnesses and injuries, they just need to check the policy carefully to see what’s included – some premiums only cover accidents, so it’s important for pet owners to check they have all the protection they need.”

Tiger gives animal lovers the tools to help them compare and find savings on all sorts of pet insurance, such as puppy, older dog or multi pet insurance.

GB Regional Vet Costs Index: 

GB Region	Average out of hours vet cost	Female dog – neutering (Average across sizes)	Male dog neutering (Average across sizes)	Average consultation price	Highest consultation price	Specific location within the region
South East (excluding London)	£315.57	£426.96	£325.16	£58	£74	Brighton
Central Region (Midlands)	£290.96	£413.34	£304.97	£45	£58	Birmingham
Scotland	£273.60	£445.20	£326.00	£48	£65	Glasgow
London (South‑East)	£245.51	£472.66	£396.31	£65	£72	London
South West	£245.06	£452.68	£328.29	£54	£71	Bristol
North of England	£241.03	£390.08	£297.08	£50	£62	Manchester
Wales	£260.05	£419.35	£285.16	£50*	*£55	Cardiff

References:

*https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/02/firefighters-charities-animal-rescue-callouts-england 
**https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c201r14z6r3o

Table References:

Col B – https://manypets.com/uk/articles/out-of-hours-emergency-vet-bills-pet-insurance/

Col C and D – https://manypets.com/uk/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-to-neuter-a-dog/

Col E, F and G – https://clearvet.co.uk/price-index#:~:text=Microchipping

*No comparable data available, costs estimated based on individual vet fees in the area, top 3 ranking vets

  in Cardiff on Google, averaged and highest used, details below.

Cardiff costs

£49.99 – https://cardiffvetcentre.com/price-list/

£54.59 – https://www.st-davidvetcentre.co.uk/what-we-offer/our-charges

£46 – https://www.vets4pets.com/practices/vets-in-cardiff/vets4pets-cardiff-bay/

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.