I walked my dog in a park, an experience that turned into a nightmare when my pet suffered a leg injury. Rushing to seek immediate help, I found that my local vet was closed and was referred to an out of hours vet instead. The cost, as it turned out, was a staggering £302, just for our pet to be seen. Unable to qualify for low income support under the PDSA, I was advised to seek assistance from family and friends. 

This incident is not isolated. Many pet owners across the nation are facing the same issue, being priced out of vital veterinary services because of exorbitant after-hours fees. There is an urgent need for a cap on these charges to ensure that all pet owners can afford to give their pets the medical attention they require, be it day or night. The cost of veterinary care is rising; average lifetime pet insurance claims have surged by 50% over the last decade [Sources: PDSA PAW Report, 2020].

A cap on out-of-hours fees is nothing short of a lifeline for our beloved pets. Veterinary care should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford to pay the rising costs. By signing this petition, you are pledging support for regulated, fair fees for all veterinary services, and ensuring our pets are given the care they deserve. Please sign and help us keep vet costs reasonable and within reach for everyone.