Sat, 14 Feb 2026

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 Rising vet costs leave charity with £400k bill

The group, based in Solihull and Wolverhampton, says its vet bills are costing them more.
A Birmingham-based animal charity is facing a significant increase in vet bills, with around £400,000 being spent annually on treating dogs. The charity's staff say they're seeing more cases where owners delay or forego treatment due to costs, leading to increased strain on their resources. The charity has reported a rise in the number of dogs being handed over for care, many of which require urgent medical attention. In some instances, animals are not receiving prompt treatment, resulting in costly and complex procedures that can range from £1,000 to £2,000. Experts warn that pet owners should speak with their vet about concerns over costs, as charitable organizations like the Birmingham Dogs Home will do their best to support both animals and their owners. However, rising vet fees have been a concern for years, with prices increasing nearly twice as fast as inflation. Charity staff highlight the difficulties in rehoming dogs due to increased competition from larger breeds that require more resources, such as food and insurance. The organization is struggling to cope with an average of 150 monthly calls seeking placements for dogs. The British Veterinary Association's president notes that advances in veterinary care contribute to rising costs, as pet owners increasingly expect human-quality healthcare for their pets.
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