6 ways to save money at the vet
Hannah has three years of experience overseeing investigations around health, pet care and home improvements.
Prices at the vet grew by 63% between 2016 and 2023, according to a recent investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into veterinary services for household pets.
The CMA has recommended a number of changes designed to control prices across the market, and vets have to implement them over the next year. But even if this reduces prices, vet bills can still be very expensive.
There are a number of different ways that you can save money on treatment for your pet. We run through options to consider.
If you're looking for a new practice, see our guide to finding the best vet
1. Shop around for your prescriptions
If your vet has a pharmacy, it’s probably more convenient to purchase your medications directly from them.
However, prices are generally higher at pharmacies in veterinary practices. In fact, the CMA found that owners could save more than £200 per year by buying long-term prescriptions online rather than at the vet.
To purchase medication for your pet from another pharmacy, just ask your vet for a copy of the prescription. You can then take this to any other pharmacy, and potentially buy the medication more cheaply.
The same goes for any extra pet care necessities, like shampoo, pet food, or chews – always check if you can get it more cheaply elsewhere.
2. Check the medication type
Your vet might also be able to make small adjustments to your prescription to save you money.
If they prescribe a long-term medication, ask if they can prescribe more than a month’s supply. Buying in bulk is generally cheaper, and it will save you on vet visits and prescription costs.
However, if your pet is trying a medication for the first time, it’s best not to buy it in bulk, in case the medication upsets their stomach or doesn’t help their symptoms.
You can also ask whether your vet can prescribe a generic version of any branded medication. For example, in some cases, your vet may be able to prescribe human paracetamol as a painkiller for your pet. This will generally be a lot cheaper than specific veterinary medications.
However, these changes won’t be appropriate in every case. It’s important to ask your vet what’s possible – they’ll be able to tell you what’s best for your pet.
3. Consider your clinician and your practice
If you’re looking for general support for your pet, you may be able to see a veterinary nurse instead of a vet.
Nurses can offer advice and support for things like weight management, dental checks, nail clipping and post-operative monitoring. Appointments with nurses are generally a lot cheaper than with vets.
In addition, managing your pets' health – for example, by keeping them at a healthy weight – will help prevent more serious issues from developing, which will save you money in the long term.
You can also consider different practices for routine services like spaying, microchipping and vaccinations. For example, Animal Trust is a non-profit service offering cheap pet care, regardless of financial background.
Shopping around for routine care will help ensure you are getting the best deal.
4. Consider your pet insurance
Deciding whether to insure your pet, and how comprehensive your policy should be, is a tricky decision.
According to research by Tesco, roughly a third of owners don’t have insurance. However, pet insurance is used far more often than many other types of insurance. According to data published by the Financial Conduct Authority, 42% of customers with lifetime policies made a claim in 2024.
If you’re weighing up buying a policy or self-insuring your pet, read our insurance experts’ advice. If you are decided on insurance, check out our money-saving tips.
Ensuring your pet while they are young and healthy means any conditions they develop will be covered by the plan. So if you are considering insurance, it’s important to do it early.
If you're a Which? member, you can see our round-up of the best pet insurance providers
5. Focus on preventative care
Keeping your pet in the best possible health is one of the most effective ways to reduce your vet bills, and it might even stop your pet from needing a vet visit in the first place.
Managing your pet’s weight is especially important. According to UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs are overweight or obese. The health impacts of being overweight range from heart disease to joint issues, and these problems are very expensive to manage or resolve.
Similarly, it’s relatively cheap to maintain good dental health for your pet, but very expensive to fix issues when they arise. Regular check-ups, as well as care items like chews, will help your pet’s teeth in the long term.
Your vet might offer pricing plans that cover a range of regular treatments, like vaccinations and deworming, and these can be cheaper than paying for each service individually. However, this can change based on your pet’s individual needs, so make sure you check the small print.
6. Check on financial aid
If you’re struggling to manage the cost of your vets bills, you may be eligible for assistance from certain charities or non-profits.
In general, these organisations require that you receive a means-tested benefit, like Housing Support or Jobseekers Allowance.
The RSPCA, Blue Cross and People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) all offer free or low-cost vet care to individuals on these benefits.
See our guides to the best dog food and best cat food for advice on feeding your pet
