Former vet Dr Alison Richards says practitioners quitting due to poor ages and burnout, coupled with 60% of UK households now having pets, has created big challenges
The vet industry is facing a crisis similar to that of the NHS, which has contributed to driving up the cost of bills.
Dr Alison Richards, a former vet and charity Cats Protection’s Head of Clinical Services, says vets quitting due to poor wages and burnout, coupled with the fact 60% of UK households now have at least one pet, has created big challenges. Dr Richards said: “The UK is seeing a veterinary capacity crisis at the moment. It’s become more challenging to access vet services as there’s an increased demand, with the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic putting strain on an already-stretched system.
“There are a lot of parallels with the NHS. Retention is a big problem, with vets on low salaries put through a lot of stress and pressure, as well as emotional involvement with the cases they are dealing with.” Dr Richards’ comments come as watchdog the Competitions and Markets Authority announced this week that it is probing the vet industry, worth £2billion, over concerns that pet owners are paying too much.
The CMA said fees are rising faster than other goods and services during the cost-of-living crisis. Liverpool-based vet Dr Daisy May said she has seen first-hand the strain rising bills are putting on pet owners. She added: “One of my long-term clients shared with me that she’s been contemplating giving up her African Grey parrot due to escalating vet costs.