A recent BBC investigation has shone a light on growing concerns around the cost of veterinary care in the UK. Many pet owners have shared distressing experiences of rapidly escalating bills during already emotional situations. These stories highlight how financial pressure can affect decisions about a pet’s wellbeing. They also raise important questions about affordability across the wider pet care industry.
While My Pets Vet is not a veterinary practice, the issues raised strongly resonate with the experiences of our customers. We regularly hear from families struggling to manage the cost of prescribed pet medication. For many, ongoing treatment becomes financially overwhelming when medication prices are set at practice level. This can lead to difficult choices that no pet owner should face.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, owner of My Pets Vet and veterinary adviser to BBC The Archers, believes affordability must be addressed across the sector. “Medication is often a long term commitment for owners,” he says. “If costs spiral, it risks undermining both treatment compliance and animal welfare.”
Keeping pet medication affordable for families
One of the most common concerns raised in the BBC report is how rising costs affect everyday families. While consultation and treatment fees are one factor, medication prices play a major role in overall expense. For pets with chronic conditions, these costs can continue for months or years. Affordability becomes essential to sustaining care.
My Pets Vet was created to help address this challenge by offering prescribed pet medication at significantly lower prices. As an independent provider, My Pets Vet can supply the same licensed medications without the overheads faced by many practices. This allows families to access essential treatments without unnecessary financial strain. The focus is on supporting owners, not maximising margins.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, explains the principle behind the model. “Pet owners should never feel penalised for following a vet’s advice,” he says. “By keeping medication affordable, we help ensure pets receive the treatment they genuinely need.”
Independence and transparency in pet medication supply
The BBC investigation highlights concerns around corporate consolidation within the veterinary sector. Large corporate ownership can limit competition and reduce transparency around pricing. This can leave pet owners unsure why costs vary so dramatically between providers. Independence offers a valuable alternative.
My Pets Vet is completely independent, with no venture capital or private equity backing. This structure allows full control over pricing, sourcing and customer service. Without pressure from investors, decisions are made solely in the interests of pet owners and animal welfare. Transparency is central to building trust.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, believes independence directly benefits customers. “When there are no shareholders to satisfy, prices can reflect real costs rather than financial targets,” he says. “That difference matters greatly to families managing long term care.”
Significant savings on prescribed medication
A recurring theme in the BBC article is the financial shock many owners experience after treatment. While emergency care is unavoidable, medication costs often continue long after diagnosis. This is where meaningful savings can make a real difference. Reducing medication expense helps owners stay committed to treatment plans.
Many My Pets Vet customers report substantial savings when switching their prescriptions. In anecdotal cases, owners have told us they saved up to 75 percent compared to purchasing medication directly from a veterinary practice. These savings can amount to hundreds or even thousands of pounds over time. For families, this can be the difference between continuing treatment or stopping altogether.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, highlights the welfare impact of affordability. “When medication is affordable, owners are far more likely to follow prescribed regimes properly,” he says. “That consistency is critical for animal health.”
Supporting vets without undermining clinical care
The BBC investigation includes concerns from vets who feel under pressure to increase revenue. It is important to note that My Pets Vet does not replace or compete with veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Prescriptions are always issued by a qualified veterinary professional. My Pets Vet simply provides a more affordable dispensing option.
This separation allows vets to focus purely on clinical care, without medication costs becoming a point of tension with clients. Owners can maintain trusted relationships with their vets while accessing lower priced medication elsewhere. This benefits both parties and supports ethical practice. It also aligns with professional guidelines around prescription choice.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, supports this balance. “Vets should be free to recommend the best treatment without worrying about cost perception,” he says. “Independent medication providers help remove that pressure.”
Helping prevent pets being priced out of care
One of the most troubling outcomes highlighted by the BBC is owners choosing not to pursue treatment due to cost. For some, the financial risk of pet ownership now feels too great. This has serious implications for animal welfare and responsible ownership. Affordable medication plays a key role in preventing this scenario.
By reducing the cost of ongoing treatment, My Pets Vet helps keep care accessible. Owners managing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or skin disease benefit most from consistent medication. Lower prices reduce the likelihood of skipped doses or abandoned treatment plans. This directly supports better long term outcomes for pets.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, emphasises accessibility. “No one should feel forced to give up on a pet because medication is unaffordable,” he says. “Keeping treatment within reach protects both animals and families.”
Transparency and informed choice for pet owners
The CMA’s investigation has highlighted the need for clearer information around pricing and ownership. Pet owners deserve to understand their options and make informed decisions. Medication choice should never be confusing or intimidating. Transparency builds confidence and trust.
My Pets Vet provides clear pricing, straightforward ordering and open communication. Customers know exactly what they are paying and why. There are no hidden fees or unexpected changes. This clarity helps owners feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, believes informed choice is essential. “When owners understand their options, they make better decisions for their pets,” he says. “Transparency should be standard, not exceptional.”
A sustainable future for pet care affordability
The BBC investigation marks an important moment for reflection across the pet care industry. Addressing rising costs requires cooperation between vets, regulators and independent providers. Medication affordability is one practical area where immediate improvement is possible. Independent suppliers play a vital role in restoring balance.
My Pets Vet remains committed to keeping prices as low as possible while maintaining safety and quality. Independence allows flexibility, fairness and a strong focus on helping pet owners. As the industry evolves, affordable access to medication will remain central to responsible pet care. Supporting owners ultimately supports animal welfare.
Nick Horniman, BVSc MRCVS, remains optimistic about the future. “Most people in this industry care deeply about animals,” he says. “Making treatment affordable helps ensure that care is delivered where it truly matters.”