Are vet bills leaving you out of pocket?
- Anna Turley
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
People across Redcar & Cleveland are telling me they’re struggling with the cost of getting their pets the care they need – and I know they’re not alone.
As a pet owner myself, I know how much our animals mean to us. They’re part of the family. And it’s heartbreaking to hear from people who are having to choose between paying the bills or getting treatment for a sick pet.
Vet bills have shot up by more than 60% in the last decade, and big corporations now own around 60% of vet practices. That’s driving prices up and putting huge pressure on families who just want to do right by their pets.
There are so many heartbreaking stories:
One woman paid over £4,500 to treat her cat – but couldn’t afford a cremation after she passed away.
Another is skipping follow-ups for her dog’s heart condition because prices rise every year.
More and more people are giving up pets altogether because they simply can’t afford the care.
The Blue Cross says this is a “ticking time bomb” for animal welfare – with a 264% rise in emergency help requests in just a year. And vets say they’re seeing animals brought in too late, when the only option left is putting them to sleep – not because there’s no treatment, but because of the cost.
This can’t go on.
I’m launching a campaign to speak up for pet owners and demand action to bring vet fees under control. But I need your help.
If you’ve faced a big vet bill, had to delay care, or struggled to afford treatment – please take a couple of minutes to share your experience here:
Let’s stand up for people and their pets – and fight for fair, affordable vet care.
