Veterinary Services in Cymru: Crisis or Crossroads?

We attended a Welsh Parliament round table event on January 20, 2026, titled "Veterinary Services in Cymru: Crisis or Crossroads?,". The discussion addressed soaring vet costs, corporate consolidation, and animal welfare issues. Organised by campaigner Lynda Joyce-Jones, it highlighted concerns about unaffordable treatment, practice closures, and a push for an independent veterinary ombudsman to protect pet owners.

The event was held in the Senedd/Welsh Parliament and brought together experts to discuss the impact of corporate takeover of practices, high pricing, and the need for better regulation in the Welsh veterinary sector. The discussion was driven by concerns regarding the options available to pet owners facing high bills. Key topics included the impact of corporate ownership on care, the need for an independent ombudsman for complaints, and the challenges facing veterinary staff. The event was part of a wider conversation about the veterinary industry, which has seen increased scrutiny following market inquiries into high costs and corporate dominance. We have previously attended events with Linda on this issue, and regularly raise concerns over this concerning trend where corporate takeovers of veterinary practices are prioritizing financial gain (wealth) over animal health and welfare. This shift has led to higher, often prohibitive, vet fees and has resulted in cases where cats are euthanised rather than treated due to owner financial constraints.

You can read our previous blogs below and find out more about who the corporates are, what they own and how their dominance affects you as a pet owner.

When Wealth is More Important than Health

Uncovering the Impact of Corporate Takeovers on Veterinary Practices: A Closer Look at Rising Fees and Animal Welfare.

At a pivotal moment when when veterinary services across the UK is attracting unprecedented attention from politicians, regulators and the media, the information session was held to bring together a multidisciplinary panel of experts to explore the key questions now facing the profession. Discussions drew on the distinctive challenges experienced by veterinary teams and pet owners, where debate has been intensified by industrial action, practice closures, the findings of the CMA enquiry and work by the Senedd petitions committee into the effects of corporate consolidation within the sector.

Chaired by Dr Scott Summers, speakers were as follows;

Mrs Jane Dendle (Founder and Director, Save Our Siezed Dogs).

Dr Suzanna Hudson-Cooke BVetMED MRCVS (Branch Chair, British Veterinary Union in Unite).

Dr Linda Joyce-Jones (Rosa's mum, Saw Doctors fan, and occasional campaigner for animal rights).

Dr David Reader (Senior Lecturer in Competition Law, University of Glasgow).

The Welsh Parliament event, "Veterinary Services in Cymru: Crisis or Crossroads," highlighted that 60% of practices are now under corporate ownership, driving up costs by 60% — far outpacing inflation — and causing significant pet abandonment issues. The discussions emphasized a need for better regulation, potential caps on prescription fees, and reforms to address staff burnout and corporate, rather than clinical, focus. The rapid rise of corporate, private equity-funded ownership (now 60% of practices) is seen as a major factor in escalating costs. The high cost of care is leading to increased pet abandonment, adding strain to rescue centres. The shift towards profit-driven KPIs is placing high pressure on veterinary staff, causing burnout and contributing to staff shortages. Discussions pointed toward a potential need to change the 1999 Veterinary Surgeons Act and consider a "Veterinary Service Ombudsman" to handle complaints and regulate the industry. Pet owners are advised to compare prices among vets and look for more affordable options for medication. You can do this by phoning around your local vets asking for quotes. You will find independent vets tend to offer lower prices. You can check which vets local to you are independently run on this checker here.

You can support Linda's campaign here where she will post updates.

Below are some images from our day in the Welsh Parliament.