A veterinary practice in Ashton-under-Lyne has launched a new healthcare plan offering pet owners unlimited consultations with veterinary surgeons and nurses.
Gourley Veterinary Centre's Healthy Pet Club Advanced is being introduced as veterinary costs continue to put pressure on household budgets, with some pet owners saying they have delayed seeking professional advice because of the expense.
Research commissioned by CVS Vets and conducted by YouGov found that 24% of pet owners had delayed booking a veterinary appointment in the previous 12 months because of pressure on household finances.
The research also found that 70% of pet owners who delayed treatment had searched online for advice about their pet’s symptoms, while 37% had asked family or friends for guidance. A recent RSPCA study found that 10% of pet owners had used AI chatbots for pet care advice.
Veterinary professionals have warned that delays in seeking advice can sometimes mean animals are seen later than would be recommended.
The new Healthy Pet Club Advanced plan includes unlimited consultations, with no exclusions for long-term health conditions, alongside routine preventative care including vaccinations, parasite protection, and annual health checks.
Lizzie McLennan Green, Veterinary Director of the CVS Vets family, which includes Gourley Veterinary Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, said the aim was to make the cost of routine veterinary care more predictable.
“We know that for many owners, there’s often a moment of hesitation before booking a consultation. That’s completely understandable, but it can sometimes mean pets are seen later than we would recommend.
“We are making the cost of consultations, vaccinations and preventative healthcare predictable and we’re empowering owners to seek advice whether that’s a minor concern or something more serious.”
The launch comes against a backdrop of rising costs across veterinary care.
Veterinary treatment has become more expensive in recent years, with the cost of consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, and procedures all contributing to the financial pressure faced by pet owners. The wider increase in the cost of owning and caring for pets has also made budgeting for unexpected veterinary bills more difficult for many households.
The new plan builds on Gourley Vets’ existing Care Plan, which covers routine healthcare such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular health checks, as well as offering discounts on some treatments.
Healthy Pet Club Advanced costs £34.99/month for puppies and dogs, £29.99/month for kittens and cats, and £24.99/month for rabbits.
The plan is available through Gourley Veterinary Centre and other participating CVS practices.
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