Dutch regulator links vet chains to higher prices and profit-driven practices

Owners bringing their cats or dogs to the vet are increasingly at risk of overpaying, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) warns in a draft report. Veterinary clinics have become more commercial, often charging higher fees and not always putting the welfare of the animal and the interests of the owner first when recommending treatments.

The ACM links this trend to the growth of veterinary chains, often owned by private investors aiming for profit. Some of these chains focus more than other providers on revenue-generating practices, such as encouraging more frequent treatments for pets. A study of four chain acquisitions found that prices sometimes surged significantly in the three years afterward.

The ACM advocates for tougher rules, including banning bonuses for veterinarians tied to profit or sales. The aim is to ensure that treatment decisions are made solely with the animal’s well-being and the owner’s interests in mind.

The watchdog also calls on the sector to develop guidelines defining the most suitable treatments and to create a complaints committee for minor grievances. The ACM further suggests that allowing entities beyond veterinarians to sell certain medicines could be advantageous.

Over the coming weeks, pet owners, veterinarians, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft report. The ACM adds that, overall, pet owners are satisfied with their veterinarians, who work “with dedication” to care for and improve the well-being of animals.

In a statement, the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals (Dierenbescherming) welcomed the ACM’s stance on the commercialization of veterinary practices. The animal welfare group said that care for pets “should never be guided by profit or revenue goals” and that veterinarians “must always act in the best interests of the animal and its owner.” The organization sees the ACM’s explicit acknowledgment as a positive step.

The Dierenbescherming further calls for the ACM to have the power to scrutinize smaller chain acquisitions, rather than only multimillion-euro deals. Increased oversight of regional takeovers could help ensure the market remains fair.