9th July 2026
The cost of keeping a pet in the UK has risen sharply over the last few years, and the reasons are now well‑documented across veterinary, welfare, and insurance data. The increases are real, significant, and driven by several structural pressures — not just general inflation.
Pet ownership costs have risen mainly because vet bills, pet food prices, and insurance costs have all climbed faster than normal household inflation, with vet fees being the biggest driver.
How much costs have risen
Veterinary bills — the biggest increase
Vet costs have risen about 60% over the past eight years, with routine treatments up nearly 50% in four years.
Between 2023 and 2025 alone, vet bills rose 12%, outpacing general inflation.
Typical 2026 vet costs now include:
£45–£75 for a routine consultation
£150–£400 for out‑of‑hours emergencies
£1,500–£3,000 for MRI/CT scans
£2,500–£4,500 for cruciate ligament surgery
Pet food — steady but noticeable increases
Annual food costs (2025):
Dogs: £400–£1,000
Cats: £300–£600
Premium brands and special diets push costs higher.
Insurance — cheaper upfront, but claims rising
Insurance premiums dipped slightly in 2025 due to competition, but claims costs are soaring:
£1.23 billion paid out in 2024 — double a decade ago
Average claim value: £685
Older pets have seen the biggest increases: premiums rose 15–30% through 2024–25, driven by vet fee inflation of 8–10% a year.
Why costs have risen
1. Advanced medical technology now standard
Vets now routinely use MRI, CT, advanced diagnostics, and specialist surgery — all expensive to buy and maintain.
2. Staff shortages and rising wages
Vet practices face recruitment shortages, pushing wages — and therefore prices — higher.
3. Corporate consolidation of vet practices
Large chains have bought many independent vets, reducing competition and increasing prices.
4. Supply‑chain and pharmaceutical inflation
Medication and equipment costs have risen faster than general inflation.
5. More pets needing care
The post‑pandemic surge in pet ownership has not fully reversed, keeping demand high.
6. Insurance claims rising in number and value
Pets are living longer, and owners are choosing more advanced treatments — increasing claim frequency and cost.
Impact on households
The PDSA reports a growing “petflation” crisis:
1 in 10 owners have cut back on their own food, heating, or essential travel to afford pet care.
1 in 7 have cut non‑essential spending.
1 in 20 have skipped heating their homes to pay vet bills.
2 in 3 could not afford an unexpected surgery.
This matches what you’ve seen in Caithness and Sutherland: rising pet costs are now part of the wider rural cost‑of‑living squeeze.
Pet costs have risen sharply because vet fees, food prices, and insurance claims have all climbed faster than normal inflation — and households are now making real sacrifices to keep their animals cared for.