New rules force vets to publish prices as Birmingham rescues struggle with soaring costs
Fur and Feathers in Kings Norton turns to independent vets after corporate fees become unmanageable
A Birmingham animal rescue says rising vet costs are putting the care of rescue animals under pressure.
Lisa, who runs Fur and Feathers Animal Sanctuary, said her organisation switched to a new independent vet group in January after costs at their previous practice became “sky high.”
“Everything went up at our old vets,” she said. “In November we paid nearly £1,200 for a cat to have four teeth removed. In February, the exact same procedure with fluids included cost £276.” She added that other routine procedures, such as spaying, had also become unmanageable within the rescue’s budget.
Lisa said finding a new vet involved extensive shopping around. “The vets we now use offered us a very good deal straight away. One of the practice owners personally gave us a discount, which has made a huge difference.”
She highlighted the challenges posed by corporate veterinary chains. “Most of the smaller veterinary practices have been bought out by big corporate companies, and their policies are just ridiculous now. Shopping around for independent vets isn’t an easy task today.”
Lisa said she supported measures requiring vets to publish price lists and cap prescription fees but stressed that corporate practices remain largely out of reach for rescues. “It’s okay publishing them, but many corporate vets are out of rescue ranges. Our adoption fee wouldn’t even cover routine procedures at some places. Independent vets are now critical — they are the last lifeline for rescues.”
Despite the difficulties, Lisa said her trust in individual vets has not wavered. “I’ve had good experiences with both old and new vets. It comes down to the individual vets themselves — not the corporate ownership pushing numbers and profit.”
Fur and Feathers has relied on two independent vets for foster animals. Lisa described them as operating like a franchise: part of a larger group but privately owned, giving the sanctuary access to affordable and reliable care.
For Lisa, the rescue is more than a job — it is her life. “My life revolves around rescue. It’s been that way for the past 20 years.”