25/09/2026
🐾 A little message from all of us at Borden Lane Vets 🐾
You may have seen quite a lot in the news over the last couple of years about the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into veterinary services. Their investigation has now concluded and a number of changes are being introduced across the veterinary profession.
Many of these changes focus on something we feel very strongly about ourselves — transparency, choice and helping pet owners understand the cost of their pet’s care.
We are actually very proud that many of the things being introduced are things we have already been doing at Borden Lane for many years.
💚 We are an independent veterinary practice.
💚 We have always tried to keep our prices as fair and affordable as we reasonably can, while maintaining a high standard of veterinary care.
💚 We are always happy to provide estimates and discuss expected costs before treatment.
💚 Where there are different treatment or investigation options, we will talk these through with you wherever clinically appropriate.
💚 We have always been happy to provide written prescriptions so that clients can purchase medication elsewhere if they wish. In fact, our prescription charges are already below the new CMA maximum fees.
💚 If you ever have a question about a bill, an estimate or why something has been recommended, please ask us. We would much rather have that conversation with you.
But there is something else we would really like to say.
We completely understand that the publicity surrounding the veterinary profession has made some pet owners question costs and recommendations in a way they perhaps didn't before. Asking questions is absolutely okay — you should feel comfortable understanding the care being recommended for your pet and what it will cost.
What has been difficult to see, however, is an increasing belief that vets recommend tests, medication or treatment simply to make money.
Please know that this is not how our clinical team works.
Our vets and nurses have chosen careers caring for animals. When a vet recommends a blood test, an X-ray, medication, surgery or further investigation, it is because in their professional judgement it may help them diagnose, treat or care for the animal sitting in front of them.
Sometimes there will be more than one option. Sometimes finances mean we need to find a different approach. Please tell us. We will always try to work with you where we can.
Our team care deeply about their patients. They celebrate when your pets get better, worry about the ones who are poorly, and are genuinely affected when we lose patients we have known and cared for over many years.
So please keep asking us questions. Ask about prices. Ask why a test is needed. Ask whether there are alternatives. Ask for an estimate.
Trust doesn't come from never questioning us — it comes from being able to have those conversations openly.
We have been part of this community for many years, and the relationship we have with our clients and their pets means an enormous amount to us.
Thank you for continuing to trust us with them. 🐾💚
The Borden Lane Vets Team
