The company behind Skittles might be to blame for your big vet bills

A recent investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority in Britain found that pet owners are paying a significant amount more for veterinary care than they would if their pets' clinics were owned by independent practices. This increase in costs has prompted some pet owners to seek more affordable options, such as traveling to Tijuana for cheaper care or surrendering their animals to shelters.

Helaine Olen, managing editor at the American Economic Liberties Project, explains that the surge in veterinary expenses is due to several factors. One major driver is the expansion of medical technology and pharmaceuticals available to pets, which have become commonplace procedures that were once unthinkable just a few decades ago. Additionally, the involvement of large corporations and private equity firms in the pet healthcare industry has contributed to higher prices.

Olen says that companies like Mars, the corporation behind Skittles, now own around 2,500 veterinary clinics under their VCA, Banfield, and Blue Pearl names. This shift in ownership has led to routine price increases for pet owners, with some clinics raising prices every six months, nine months, or annually. In Britain, these price hikes have resulted in a billion pounds spent on pet care over a five-year period that wouldn't have been spent otherwise.

To cope with these rising costs, pet owners have resorted to various measures. Some take on debt, use buy now, pay later services, or simply surrender their pets to shelters. The financial burden can cause emotional distress for both pet owners and their animals, as shelters report an uptick in surrendered animals due to the increasing cost of veterinary care.