The consultation fee is the gateway cost to veterinary care — you pay it every time you visit the vet, regardless of whether your pet needs treatment. According to the CMA's investigation, the average standard consultation fee in the UK is approximately £62, but prices range from £30 at some independent practices to over £65 at corporate chains in London.

Average Consultation Prices

  • Standard consultation (15 minutes): £30–£65, average approximately £62
  • Extended consultation (30 minutes): £50–£95
  • Out-of-hours emergency: £150–£300+
  • Nurse consultation: £20–£35
  • Telephone consultation: £0–£30 (some practices offer these free)

Why Consultation Prices Vary

The CMA found that veterinary consultation fees have risen by approximately 63% in real terms between 2013 and 2023. This is well above inflation and reflects several factors:

  • Corporate consolidation: Six corporate groups now own over 60% of UK vet practices. The CMA found these groups charge an average of 17% more than independent practices
  • Location: Central London consultations can be double the price of rural practices. There is a clear north-south divide
  • Staffing costs: A UK vet shortage has pushed salaries up, which practices pass on to clients
  • Practice overheads: 24-hour hospitals have higher running costs than standard daytime practices

Emergency and Out-of-Hours Fees

If your pet needs care outside normal practice hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays), expect to pay significantly more. Out-of-hours emergency consultation fees typically range from £150 to £300, and can exceed £300 at specialist emergency hospitals in major cities.

Many corporate vet groups have centralised their out-of-hours services into dedicated emergency hospitals (such as Vets Now, owned by Mars/Linnaeus), which can mean a longer journey and higher fees compared to the old model where your local vet covered their own emergencies.

How to Compare Consultation Fees

Under the CMA's proposed reforms, all vet practices will be required to publish their standard consultation fee prominently. Until this becomes mandatory, you can:

  • Use VetCost to search and compare practice prices by postcode
  • Phone practices directly — they are required to give you a price over the phone if asked
  • Check if the practice offers a free first consultation for new clients
  • Ask about nurse consultations for routine matters like weight checks, post-op checks, or nail clipping — these are typically half the price of a vet consultation

Hidden Costs to Watch For

The consultation fee is just the start. On average, a vet visit results in additional charges of £50–£200 for diagnostics, medication, or treatment. The CMA has highlighted that practices should provide clearer upfront pricing, but until reforms are fully implemented, always ask for estimates before agreeing to tests or procedures.

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