Rising vet bills affecting pet choices

Reviewed by: Helen Rolph
Home, Travel & Pet Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: October 2026
Read time: 5 min

As proposed new vet reforms aim to curb surging costs across the country, data shows rising expenses are actually putting pet owners off having a dog altogether.

It is hoped spiralling vet bills will start to stabilise as demands are made for transparent costs to help give pet owners stronger rights* – helping them see exactly what they’re paying for and to understand their options.

Pet insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk looked at the most expensive breeds to insure year on year plus the regional fluctuations in vet costs, to try and get an understanding of pressures dog owners are currently under, the costs they face and how it’s affecting their decisions. 

Quotezone’s research included a consumer survey, asking 1,000 people if rising vet costs were putting them off owning a dog, worryingly 36% said it had.

The team also asked if people do their own research into the potential medical costs of certain breeds. Unfortunately, 29% admitted they don’t do this and only 21% said they do – which could cause issues further down the line with unexpected vet bills.

It’s incredibly important that future pet owners research the breed they’d like to home, so they are aware of the likelihood of medical conditions including inherited ones, especially amongst unusual breeds such as the Chow Chow – the number one most expensive breed to insure in 2026.

Data shows that Chow Chow owners were quoted £297 annually to cover their pets for accident and illness cover in 2026. An increase of £106, or 55%, on the previous year.

Experts say the breed is one of the most prone to claims** – due to complex health issues.***

Royal Kennel Club registrations for Chow Chows are now down 22% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.****

The Cane Corso and the Alaskan Malamute were the second and third most expensive to insure at £259 and £238 respectively – both breeds are prone to various genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia.*****

Interestingly, where pet owners live could be exacerbating issues, given vet costs vary across the country.

The hope is that the price-transparency measures will help stabilise the regional fluctuations. Currently, average vet consultation prices vary across the UK from £42 in Belfast to more than double that in Woodbridge at £93 and even £150 in Pontefract.******

Quotezone.co.uk used insurance quotes for pedigree dog breeds across the UK, focussing on accident and illness policies to create a top 20 list of most expensive breeds, to help customers with their research.

Pet insurance expert Helen Rolph from Quotezone said: “Dogs are incredible companions and recent statistics show a surge in people adding them to their household, with 15.5 million dogs in the UK – that’s 41% of homes now have a pup.******

“With rising costs such as insurance and vet bills, it’s vital that potential dog owners do their research before they go ahead and add a furry friend to the family, to help make sure they can budget for their pup and avoid unexpected surprises that could place them in financial difficulty.

“The most expensive pedigree to insure on our list this year is the Chow Chow, they are beautiful dogs and their laid-back temperaments make them ideal as pets but sadly they are prone to several health problems. They can suffer with hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye conditions – likely impacting their insurance premiums.

“Pet insurance is so important to help protect families and their dogs. If owners have a particular breed in mind, it’s sensible to do an insurance quote beforehand and make sure it’s affordable.”

As a price comparison site, Quotezone lets people compare products and prices side by side – helping millions of people every year find savings on pet insurance including pet insurance for pre-existing conditions and multiple pet insurance for all the family.

References:
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cheaper-vet-fees-and-new-ombudsman-in-biggest-reforms-to-vet-sector-in-half-a-century
**Chow Chows most claim prone breed: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-3330345/The-ten-dog-breeds-owners-claim-frequently-insurance-St-Bernards-costly.html
***Chow Chow health issues:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/chow-chow
****Quotezone analysis of Royal Kennel Club quarterly registration statistics – https://www.royalkennelclub.com/media/2mvpl43o/quarterly-breed-stats-utility.pdf
*****https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/common-health-conditions-large-breed-dogs
******https://comparevetpricing.co.uk/vets
******https://www.ukpetfood.org/industry-hub/data-statistics-/uk-pet-population-.html

Photo credit – iStock.com Olena Miroshnichenko

Survey – Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during September 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.