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Market research about Vets in UK
Hello! Thank you for your request regarding the pet and veterinary market in the U.K. In short, there were approximately 22,000 veterinarians in the U.K. in 2016 and 342.9 million GBP was spent on veterinary, hospitals and pharmacy services for pets. Approximately 44% of all U.K. households owned a pet as of 2017. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
METHODOLOGY
To research your request, I reviewed academic databases, corporate websites, industry reports, government reports/databases, regulatory filings, trusted media sites, user forums and review sites to locate the requested material. From your follow-up response, I have tried to accommodate you with most of the requested present and future material. If you would prefer a deep dive into each section, I would recommend submitting further requests.
As defined, I tried to provide you with the most up to date information that could be obtained. A majority of the information provided is from the past 2-3 years, however, some information is a bit older due to the availability of published information. The time eras will be provided with all relevant information. I was also unable to obtain the number of vet visits per owner as there are not any recently published findings available. I was, however, able to provide the average costs and spending in the U.K.
I am also providing you with several links to graphs and charts, as requested along with a link to a for purchase UK Veterinary Services Market Report for 2017 that may provide you with more details.
OVERVIEW OF THE PET POPULATION IN THE U.K.
As of 2017, there were an estimated 871,083 dogs in the U.K. 40% were neutered, 19% insured and 36% micro chipped. The cat population was 588, 186 with 61% neutered, 7% insured, and 23% micro chipped. If you use this link, you can click on the map of the United Kingdom and see the pet population per area.
It is estimated that in 2017, 44% of all U.K. households own a pet, including, 54 million unknowns, 40 million fish, 8.5 million dogs, 8 million cats, .8 million rabbits, .7 million birds, .7 million reptiles, .6 million domestic fowl, .5 million guinea pigs and .3 million hamsters. Charts of this information are available here. The RSPCA estimates the pet ownership numbers at around 20 million excluding fish. As of 2016, the U.K. has made it compulsory to have pets micro chipped.
VETERINARIANS IN THE U.K.
The U.K. boasts the largest system in Europe for veterinary services. There were approximately 5,321 veterinary practices in the U.K. in 2014. The number of veterinary surgeons totals 19,682 and veterinary nurses total 11,661.
As of 2016, there were a reported 22,000 veterinarians in the U.K. A chart showing the growth in this field from 2010-2016 can be viewed here.
The average annual earning for a veterinarian in the U.K. is £30,000 to £50,000 per year. A veterinary surgeon in the U.K. can make on average, £31,150 when starting in the field, £41,148 at a small practice, £44,142 at a large practice, and up to £69,021 for a senior vet. The majority of senior vets, however, earn £59,106 per year.
VETERINARY SERVICES IN THE U.K.
As of 2016, 342.9 million GBP was spent on veterinary, hospitals and pharmacy services for pets in the U.K. The chart illustrating the growth from 2005-2016 can be found here. It shows the total annual expenditure of pet services from 2005 to 2016 with respect to volume.
An article in 2016 from This is Money. UK reported that pet owners in the U.K. with uninsured pets pay an average of £810 for a vet visit when their pet needs treatment. It was also reported that 56% of pet owners do not have insurance for their pet. A list of average vet treatment cost are available here, however, only some treatment cost are up to date. The pricing list at St. Anne's Veterinary Group in the U.K. that was available online can be found here.
Britain’s first pet telemedicine service opened in 2016. PawSquad offers online consultations with vets for £15 for a 15-minute consult without the need for an appointment.
When it comes to booking appointments, the trend in the U.K. appears to be via online appointment setting. Marketvets is an online pet portal for Market Veterinary Center in the U.K. that allows owners to book appointments and see health reminders at their locations. Client Hills Veterinary Group offers online appointment booking for their locations in the U.K. Zetland Veterinary Group offers online appointment booking at multiple practices in the U.K. such as Backwell Veterinary Centre, Filton Veterinary Centre, Fishponds Veterinary Centre, Hotwells Veterinary Centre, Patchway Veterinary Centre, Stoke Bishop Veterinary Centre, Westbury Veterinary Centre and Zetland Veterinary Hospital.
PET INSURANCE
It is suggested that approximately 56% of pets are uninsured. The average pet insurance policy cost £261 per year. Another source claims the average cost is around £366 per year. Dogs that are mixed breed can save approximately 20.9% on insurance and moggie cats cost around 11% less than pedigreed breeds.
The insurance cost can vary tremendously by breed from the average to up to £1,124.90 per year or more. You can see a chart of the most reported pet insurance claims here. Joints, growth and skin problems are the most common claims.
A market research firm forecast the pet insurance market in the U.K. will grow from £976 million in 2015 to £1.6billion by 2021.
PAID REPORT
The UK Veterinary Services Market Report 2017 is a report available for purchase that might be able to answer more of your questions. “The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider healthcare services market, and compares it with other markets.” This report is available for purchase here.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there were approximately 22,000 veterinarians in the U.K. in 2016 and 342.9 million GBP was spent on veterinary, hospitals and pharmacy services for pets. Approximately 44% of all U.K. households owned a pet as of 2017.
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