My beloved dog was crying in pain one night, and in desperate need of care, I rushed him to an out of hours vet. I was shocked and dismayed when I was charged an initial £310 just for the consultation, with total costs reaching £560. Tragically, despite the high price I paid, my best friend didn't survive and had to be mercifully put to rest.

It is heartbreaking enough to deal with a sick or injured pet without the added burden of exorbitant veterinary fees, particularly during emergencies. Unfortunately, many pet owners across the UK face similar situations, where out of hours veterinary services charge unreasonably high fees, often leaving pet owners financially strained and distraught.

Statistics show that over 12 million households in the UK own pets, and it's estimated that emergency vet visits can range from £200 to £1000, depending on the severity. This lack of regulation means that some veterinarians set prices beyond the reach of the average pet owner, creating barriers to urgent care for beloved animals.

To address this critical issue, I call on the UK Government to regulate the fees that can be charged by out of hours veterinary services. Implementing a cap or guideline for these fees would help ensure that all pet owners have access to necessary care without the added financial stress. Such regulations would not only protect pet owners but also promote the welfare of our cherished pets.

Join me in urging policymakers to set fair restrictions on out of hours vet fees. Sign this petition to bring about change that will help pet owners and safeguard the wellbeing of our animal companions.