Man’s best friend could be savings’ worst enemy as Scots warned they face higher vet bills
Scottish dog owners facing vet bills almost £800 higher than the UK average, it has emerged, as the government moves to bring down costs.
A survey has suggested that the average vets bill for Scottish dog owners is £1,964 on average - almost £800 more than the UK average of £1,172.
And research by pet insurance brand Petgevity found that Scots save less each month for vet costs (£42.50) than the UK average (£50), leaving an even bigger shortfall against a bigger bill compared to UK counterparts.
It comes as the UK Government promised the biggest reform to the sector in over 60 years.
The Government is considering a new independent veterinary ombudsman to give pet owners a “clear and straightforward route to redress” when complaints cannot be resolved directly with their practice.
Greater transparency on prices, the ownership structure of vet firms and standards will help pet owners choose the right care and save money, while the introduction of a comparison website would drive down vet fees, according to a White Paper.
The Petgevity study also found that across the UK, dog owners showed an alarming trend for “self-insuring” - despite the fact that over half (51%) of dogs across the UK develop a health condition by 4 years old.
Petgevity Personal Finance Expert Holly Mead said that the cost of living and rapidly increasing vet bills are major contributors to this 'vet bill gap'.
“Vet bills have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation in recent years, hitting owners hard. Meanwhile, average wages have grown only just above inflation - it's nowhere near enough to offset the vast increase in the cost of vet treatment.
“While it's understandable that owners want to set money aside, the evidence shows that saving simply isn't enough.
“In a worst-case scenario, vet bills can even push owners into debt beyond the bill itself – whether that means borrowing from family or taking out a loan.”
And vet Dr Emma Chandley warned she sees pets much earlier than owners often expect - meaning they have had no time to save up enough funds to cover the costs.
“Many conditions are diagnosed in the first few months to two years of a dog's life,” she said. Owners associate illness with old age and are surprised when a young dog is diagnosed with a significant medical condition.
“Often, congenital and inherited conditions are identified during puppyhood. Common examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas (slipped kneecap), epilepsy and heart defects.
“Any breed can be affected, but Labradors, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make up a large number of the cases I see.”
It's not just the initial treatment cost owners need to consider. Health conditions often require ongoing management — repeat prescriptions, follow-up scans and physiotherapy that add hundreds more every year.
Dr Emma said: “Some owners insure their dog from the start, but others do not take out cover until after a diagnosis, at which point the condition is usually considered pre-existing.”
Do they cover pre-existing medical conditions?
“If your dog has a pre-existing health condition BEFORE you start your pet insurance journey, review the small print carefully. Some niche providers do cover these, so it can be well worth the research to find them.”
Can they increase the limit mid-contract?
“A new diagnosis or accident during your policy could require multiple procedures. Check whether your provider can increase the limit mid-contract to cover yourself for this.”
Is there an upper age-limit?
“Dogs can live long lives - for 12.5 years on average - and old dogs can be prone to age-related conditions like osteoarthritis. Even if their pet is healthy, owners can struggle to get cover. Check for an upper age-limit, as not all providers insure for life, so you don't need to switch down the line.”
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss welcomed recent proposals for veterinary firms to be subject to statutory regulation, including a mandatory licensing system, inspections and published compliance reports to improve accountability and choice.
She said: “The veterinary profession has changed enormously over the past 60 years, but the legislation underpinning it has not kept pace.
“This new framework will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals.”
Even with change however, it’s important for pet owners to be prepared for the worst.
“I urge owners to get pet insurance,” Holly said. “While it does involve an upfront cost, it is a much more stable arrangement than saving from your own pocket, especially given the rising cost of living. To pay for some of the most common treatments for popular breeds yourself would require saving serious sums.”
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