Following the cost of living crisis, many of us are watching the pennies where possible. Amongst concerns is affording the cost of veterinary care in a struggling economy. We all love our fluffy (or scaley) family members and want the best for them. But how do we know which vets are best for us and where we will get the best deal? Is it true that you’ll get a better deal on vet care from a mixed practice than a small animal vets as the media recently suggested?

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What is the Difference Between the Types of Clinics?

There are generally 3 different types of veterinary clinics: 

  • Small Animal 
  • Farm and Equine (Large Animal) 
  • Mixed 

Small Animal

Small animal clinics treat pets/ companion animals such as cats and dogs. Some also treat exotics like rabbits, birds, reptiles, or fish! These clinics are more likely to have specialist equipment such as advanced imaging services (ultrasound, endoscopy, dental x-rays, x-rays, CT scanners, MRIs) and/or advanced practitioners (offering cardiology, orthopaedic/advanced soft tissue surgery and physiotherapy services) although services vary significantly between clinics.  

Farm and Equine (Large Animal) 

Large animal clinics treat bigger animals such as farm livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs etc) and horses. These clinics tend to be more basic (although there are also large and excellently equipped large animal hospitals). And most of the workload is performed “on the road” visiting farms and stable yards to treat animals. Although they might treat the odd injury in pets “on the farm”, usually these practices don’t register and treat pets routinely. 

Mixed

Mixed clinics treat a mixture of pets/ companion animals and large animals. These clinics tend to be less specialised due to the broader range of species treated. Care for pets/companion animals may sometimes be less advanced and they are less likely to have specialist practitioners or specialist equipment. They will offer vaccinations, health checks, treatment for illnesses and injuries, surgery and medicine; but might not be able to accommodate more complex surgeries or specialist treatments like complex diagnostic, or surgical treatments. 

However, many modern “mixed” practices are essentially a large animal and a small animal practice working together, and should be seen as such. And this is a huge generalisation – again, different practices will have very different approaches to pricing and specialisation.

Why Do Vet Visits Cost So Much?

The cost of your treatment is based on many factors, not just your one pet. In order to provide the care your pet receives; vets must first cover their overheads. The cost to run the clinic includes building charges, electricity charges, equipment and medicine costs, staffing salaries and much more. Profit is only made after the costs of running the clinic are covered; and being a business, to be successful and continue providing pet care, a profit needs to be made. 

We are lucky in the UK to have the NHS for human health care; so we are largely unaware of the cost of such things. So, just think, what a lot of organisation, equipment and people go into making sure your pet stays as healthy as possible! 

Is There a Difference in Pricing Between the Types of Clinics?

The vet you see in the clinic helping you with your pet’s health concerns likely isn’t the clinic owner and so has no influence on clinic pricing. Most UK vets are salaried. Therefore it makes no difference to them if you pop in for a treat for your pet or spend thousands on a complex treatment for your poorly pet. They genuinely are acting in the best interest of your pet; using their training and vast knowledge base to keep your pet healthy and happy. 

In the UK, there are fewer privately owned clinics as corporate-owned clinics are becoming increasingly more common. Due to the higher buying power of corporate clinics, some preventative treatments or medicines may be lower cost; but consultation prices (the cost of seeing the vet) and the cost of procedures might be higher. To make life more complicated, different corporate groups also have very different approaches to pricing, as do different types of independent practice!

If you are worried about costings, some vets have their pricing openly online on their web page. For others, you may need to call or email to enquire but most are transparent when asked. So, get in contact. BUT, is pricing the most important concern when choosing a vet clinic for your pet?

Considerations When Choosing a Vet Clinic

In my opinion, pricing is definitely a consideration, however, perhaps more important are the facilities and skills of the staff at the clinic. 

  • Facilities – Advanced anaesthetic monitoring equipment, Ultrasound, Endoscopy, Imaging capabilities (X-ray, CT, MRI), Dental x-rays, and laparoscopic surgery. 
  • Specialist vets / Skillset of staff available – Qualified and Royal College registered nursing team, Orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeons, Physiotherapists, Heart health vets, Dental vets, Exotic speciality vets (if you have pets other than cats/dogs)
  • Hospital facilities 
  • Out of Hours provisions 

Again, this information is often freely available online. Ideally, you want your clinic to have all the mod cons and suitably trained staff (vets and nurses) to operate it. From modern ultrasound machines, endoscopy, and imaging suits to help diagnose your pet’s ailments to laparoscopic surgery, orthopaedic/soft tissue surgeons and other specialist practitioners to treat even the most complex condition your pet might face. Having skilled vets and nurses on site is invaluable for lower anaesthetic risks and better medical and surgical outcomes. 

Another consideration is out-of-hours provisions 

Some vets have a rota for out-of-hours services in which vets take turns covering night shifts to care for pets that get sick or injured overnight. Other vets have a dedicated night staff that are available should your pet need them. What you need to be aware of is that some clinics do not provide their own out-of-hours services. So you may be referred out to a different site if your pet becomes unwell when your usual vet clinic is closed. It is unusual for these dedicated facilities to hold your pet’s records and often, they cover the out-of-hours needs of a number of clinics in the area. So, if you choose a clinic without its own out-of-hours service, be sure to have your own copy of your pet’s medical history in case you need it and potentially be prepared to travel. 

Find a local clinic

Is it True That You’ll Get a Better Deal on Vet Care from a Mixed Practice Than a Small Animal Vet?

Overall, I can confidently say no. Although the cost of some basic care like vaccinations and routine surgeries like neutering MAY be cheaper, overall, the “deal” usually works out that lower-cost treatment comes with less specialist staff or less sophisticated equipment. Make sure you do your research. There is nothing wrong with shopping around to understand pricing. But make sure you know what you’re getting for your money so as not to be fooled by a false economy.

Also consider, where the cost of routine care, like neutering, may be cheaper at some clinics (for example, corporate clinics that can afford to subsidise these further), what is the cost of diagnostics and treatment if your pet falls unwell? And what is the cost and availability of out-of-hours services? A saving in the short-term, may not benefit you in the long run. And it is definitely not the only consideration when choosing veterinary care for your pet.

Learn more about vet prices here.

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