With vet prices rising 63% above inflation over the past decade (CMA, 2025), finding ways to reduce pet care costs without compromising on quality is more important than ever. Here are 10 practical strategies that can save you hundreds of pounds a year.

1. Get Written Prescriptions for All Ongoing Medication

This is the single biggest saving available to most pet owners. Online pharmacies sell medications 40–70% cheaper than vet practices. Ask your vet for a written prescription (they are legally required to provide one) and buy from a registered online pharmacy. Even after the prescription fee (£10–£25), you will save significantly.

2. Compare Vet Prices Before You Book

The CMA found that prices vary enormously between practices, even in the same postcode. Use VetCost to compare consultation fees, vaccination prices, and procedure costs. A simple comparison could save £20–£50 per visit.

3. Consider an Independent Vet

Corporate-owned practices charge an average of 17% more than independents. Check whether your vet is part of a corporate group and compare with local independent alternatives.

4. Keep Up With Preventative Care

Regular vaccinations (£40–£65/year), flea/tick treatment, and worming are far cheaper than treating the diseases they prevent. A single parvovirus treatment can cost £2,000–£5,000. Prevention saves money and suffering.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is linked to diabetes, joint disease, heart problems, and shortened lifespan in pets. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight through controlled feeding and regular exercise reduces the risk of expensive chronic conditions.

6. Brush Your Pet's Teeth Daily

Dental disease affects 70–80% of pets over age 3. A dental cleaning under anaesthetic costs £200–£600. Daily tooth brushing with pet toothpaste can prevent or delay the need for professional dental work.

7. Use Nurse Consultations for Routine Matters

Many practices offer nurse consultations at half the price of a vet appointment. For routine matters like weight checks, wound checks, nail trimming, or post-operative checks, a nurse appointment is perfectly adequate.

8. Get Pet Insurance (or Build an Emergency Fund)

A lifetime pet insurance policy costs £20–£60/month but protects against bills of thousands of pounds. If you cannot afford insurance, aim to save £1,000–£2,000 in a dedicated pet emergency fund.

9. Buy Non-Prescription Products Online

Products like Frontline Plus, Drontal, Seresto collars, and YuMOVE do not require a prescription and are often significantly cheaper online or at pet shops compared to the vet practice.

10. Ask for Estimates Before Treatment

Always ask "how much will this cost?" before agreeing to diagnostics, procedures, or treatment. A good vet will provide an estimate and explain what is essential versus optional. Do not be embarrassed to ask about cost — it is your money.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost data.