What are the benefits of choosing an independent pet pharmacy for your pet medications?
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of choosing an independent pet pharmacy for your pet's medications. We'll discuss how many veterinary practices are now owned by large companies and highlight the biggest corporate veterinary groups in the UK. We’ll also take a look at the advantages of using an independent pet pharmacy. As well as this, we will provide practical tips on how to reduce vet bills for your pet without compromising on their care.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about getting pet medications from an independent pharmacy:
Approximately 60% of veterinary practices in the UK are now owned by large companies.
Independent pet pharmacies offer several advantages over corporate-owned pharmacies, including better pricing, a wider range of products, personalised service, expertise in pet medications, and more flexibility in prescription fulfilment.
Independent pet pharmacies often allow customers to upload prescriptions from their vets, which can be fulfilled at potentially lower prices.
Pet owners can reduce vet bills by shopping around for a vet rather than automatically going to the nearest practice, asking about alternative treatment options, and considering buying medication from independent pharmacies or reputable online sources.
UK Pets is an independent online pet pharmacy that offers affordable pricing, prescription fulfilment, a wide range of products with expert staff.
How many vet practices belong to large companies and who are the largest corporate vet groups?
According to information published by Sky News, around 60% of veterinary practices in the UK are owned by large companies, which is a significant increase from just 10% a decade ago. Nearly 90% of vets were independent back in 2013, compared to the minority today. There are many reasons why this is the case, however, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating the industry as a whole to see whether or not pet owners are paying too much for the medications their pets need.
The largest corporate veterinary groups dominating the UK market are CVS, IVC Evidensia, Linnaeus, Medivet, Pets at Home, and VetPartners. These groups have been rapidly expanding by acquiring smaller practices in a bid to establish a strong presence across the country.
What are the benefits of choosing an independent pet pharmacy for pet medications?
Choosing to use an independent pet pharmacy as opposed to one owned by a larger organisation offers you several benefits, including:
Better pricing
Independent pet pharmacies often provide more competitive pricing compared to larger corporate chains. They have the flexibility to set their own prices and can offer discounts or promotions as they wish to help you save on the cost of your pet’s medication.
Wider choice of products
Unlike larger chains that may have a more limited selection, independent pet pharmacies often stock a wider variety of products. This can include specialised medications, natural remedies and unique brands that are not available in corporate stores, giving you more options to suit your pet’s specific needs.
Personalised service
Independent pet pharmacies are known for their personalised customer service. Staff are often more familiar with regular customers and their pets, allowing them to offer tailored advice and support. This kind of service can make a big difference when managing your pet’s health, as you are more likely to receive recommendations that are best suited to your pet's individual needs.
Specialism in pet medication
Independent pharmacies have highly knowledgeable staff with expertise in various treatments, dosages and potential side effects. This ensures that you get accurate information and guidance when choosing the right medication for your pet, helping to ensure their safety and well-being.
Prescription flexibility
Independent pet pharmacies often offer greater flexibility when it comes to fulfilling prescriptions. Many allow pet owners to upload prescriptions issued by their vets and then provide the medications at lower prices. This can lead to significant savings, particularly for pets requiring long-term or chronic treatments as you can shop around for the best prices without being tied to the costs set by your veterinary practice.
How can I reduce vet bills for my pet?
Here are some practical ways to help reduce your vet bills while still ensuring your pet receives the best care, according to Sky News:
Shop Around With Vets
Don’t feel obliged to stick with the closest vet practice. Prices can vary significantly between vets, so it’s worth comparing fees for consultations, treatments and procedures.
Ask About Alternative Treatment Options
When discussing your pet's treatment with your vet, don't hesitate to ask if there are alternative options available. Sometimes there are less expensive treatments that can be just as effective, or you might be able to opt for a more conservative approach that can save you money without compromising your pet's health.
Consider Buying Medication from Other Sources
If your pet needs medication and it’s not an emergency, consider buying it from an independent pet pharmacy or a reputable online source such as UK Pets.
Are UK Pets an independent pet pharmacy?
Yes, UK Pets is an independent online pet pharmacy. We specialise in providing pet medications, supplements and other pet healthcare products. UK Pets allows customers to upload prescriptions from their vets and purchase medications often at a lower cost compared to many veterinary practices.
How can UK Pets help pet owners?
UK Pets can help pet owners in several ways by providing affordable, convenient, and specialised services for pet medications and healthcare needs. We offer affordable pricing on a wide variety of pet medications and products, prescription fulfilment and expert staff. As well as this, the convenience of being able to order from our website from wherever you may be is also a big benefit.
Concluding thoughts from Vicki Emmerton (BVetMed MRCVS)
"At UK Pets, we understand that as part of the veterinary community, we all have a responsibility to ensure that the nation’s small, furry (some more than others!) family members get the care that they need whilst the humans in their lives are given the opportunity, and information, to make better choices for your pet on a daily basis.
We believe that by supporting you, our customers, in making these important choices, little by little, we can make positive steps forward, one furry paw at a time, to make our veterinary community the most supportive and informed it has ever been."
Sources
CMA takes next procedural step in vet services investigation - GOV.UK
CMA identifies multiple concerns in vets market - GOV.UK
