Why Transparency in Pet Care Matters Now More Than Ever

By Emily Sabin, Co-Director of All Pets Vets, St Peter’s, Jersey

If you’ve caught the headlines recently, you’ll know that the UK’s veterinary sector is under review. In March 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into concerns raised by pet owners, animal welfare groups, and veterinary professionals alike. The focus? Fairness, affordability, and transparency in veterinary care.

At All Pets, we’ve been following this closely.

As an independent practice with deep roots in the local community, we think it’s important to offer our perspective – and to reassure our clients, old and new, that we not only support calls for fairness and transparency, but we welcome them.

What’s the CMA Looking At?

In short: the cost of pet care is rising, and pet owners are feeling the strain.

The CMA investigation has raised three key concerns:

  • Price transparency: Many pet owners say they struggle to compare prices or understand the breakdown of charges – especially around routine treatments or medications.
  • Corporate consolidation: The majority of UK vet practices are now owned by a handful of large companies. In some areas, this has led to reduced choice for clients, a focus on profits, and rising costs.
  • Access to medication: Questions have been raised around prescription policies and mark-ups on medicines. Are clients being given the full picture – and the right to shop around?

The full list of remedies being proposed by the CMA can be read here, with much debate around what is realistic – and what might put more strain on already overworked teams. The British Veterinary Association has also responded, noting that while reform is needed, some proposals may be “unworkable” without better infrastructure or support.

So, What Does This Mean for Jersey?

Although the Channel Islands fall outside UK law, industry trends don’t stop at the water’s edge. Many Islanders have noticed changes in veterinary care over recent years – from the growing presence of corporate vet groups to concerns about rising fees, reduced appointment times, and increased reliance on locums.

We believe this investigation opens an important door to reflection – and an opportunity for clients to ask: what matters most when it comes to veterinary care?

Is it speed? Is it price alone? Or is it trust, continuity, compassion, and feeling like your vet truly knows your pet?

Our Response as a Local, Independent Practice

When Ruth and I took over All Pets in 2019, we did so with one goal in mind: to build a practice we’d want our own pets to go to.

We had both worked in larger, high-pressure environments and had seen first-hand how the pressures of scale and profitability could come at the cost of personal care – not to mention staff wellbeing.

At All Pets, we’re proud to do things differently:

  • Transparent pricing: Our pricing is published, discussed openly, and explained clearly – no hidden extras.
  • Longer consults: Every appointment is 20 minutes as standard, so no one feels rushed.
  • Home visits: For pets that struggle with clinic visits, we bring the care to them.
  • Fear-Free approach: We work with your pet’s emotional well-being as much as their physical health.
  • No corporate shareholders: Just two passionate vets committed to doing things the right way – with integrity.

This means we can make clinical decisions based on what’s best for your pet – not what’s best for a quarterly target.

We’re Small, But We’re Listening

As the CMA’s findings develop, we hope this leads to improvements across the board – for clients, for pets, and for the amazing people who work in this profession.

And while we may not be the biggest practice on the Island, we are confident in our values, proud of our team, and committed to continuing the kind of care that feels both expert and personal.

A Final Word

We know that when it comes to your pet’s health, transparency and trust matter just as much as treatment. We’re grateful to our clients for choosing us – and for valuing a slower, more compassionate approach to care.

If you have any questions about how we work, how we price our services, or just want to know more about how to support your pet’s health long-term, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Because at All Pets, we’re not here to race through appointments or follow a script.

We’re here to care, properly.