TV programmes like Supervet and the trend of ‘humanising’ pets might be prompting owners to spend thousands on costly treatments, watchdogs have warned. The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns as part of its probe into claims of overcharging in the veterinary services sector.
Worries have been voiced that the dominance of six large firms owning 60 percent of UK vet practices could be stifling competition and inflating costs. The CMA points out that vets are increasingly suggesting advanced, pricey procedures showcased on TV shows such as Supervet, where Noel Fitzpatrick is seen conducting extraordinary life-saving surgeries.
According to the CMA: “Advances in animal medicines mean that increasingly sophisticated and complex treatments are available for pets and that conditions which would have been only addressed through euthanasia in the past can now sometimes be treated.”
“We note that the increased provision of more expensive, sophisticated treatments if indeed that is occurring is to some extent due to the increased availability of these…
