Vet bills: Owner quoted £500 to have hamster’s teeth removed

Victoria, who is a dog walker, and her husband, Colin, had insurance, but had to call on family and friends to help fund the rest of Biscuit’s treatment once it had reached its limit.

“The anxiety was high anyway, but not knowing what the bill was going to be at the end added to that,” Victoria said.

“There’s no transparency with costs. When you take your pet to a vet, or any kind of pet professional, it can be difficult to budget for it.”

Sam Davies, from Blackwood, also faced an eye-watering £1,000 bill for her cat Moot to have her teeth removed.

“We dread a vet’s visit now as all of our cats and dogs are quite elderly,” she said.

“I feel sorry for the vet staff though as I know they don’t set the prices, but it’s becoming extortionate to own a pet.”