UK dog owners forced to euthanize pets over unaffordable vet bills

Research by Petgevity shows a surge in British dog owners having to put their pets down because veterinary expenses are out of reach. One in nine owners lack insurance or sufficient savings, with the average large treatment bill reaching £1,172.

Dr Emma Chandley explains that many serious conditions appear in the first two years of a dog’s life, surprising owners who associate illness with old age. Common breeds affected include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. A particularly costly ailment, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds, averages over £2,800 per treatment, while spine disorders in French Bulldogs can cost around £1,600. Ongoing care—prescriptions, scans, physiotherapy—adds further financial strain.

Owners typically set aside about £50 a month for pet health, but the rising costs leave many facing a shortfall of thousands of pounds, prompting difficult decisions about euthanasia.