NIP & PUP

Clinic offers cut-price pet care with cosmetic surgery packages | But experts warn travel may cause sick animals more harm

- NATASHA W NARCZYK

AS VET prices soar in the UK, pet owners are being tempted by cheaper care packages in Turkey that can save thousands of pounds.

And cosmetic surgery clinics are now offering combined deals that include operations for owners and treatment for their sick or injured animals.

We can reveal vet tourism is emerging as a new industry in the country, already a major plastic surgery destination for foreigners worth £3billion a year.

But experts here warn the cheaper procedures may be too good to be true, and that travelling so far could be detrimental to already sick pets.

It comes as the Government has been made aware 25 Brits have died following cosmetic surgery in Turkey since 2019.

Our sister paper the Mirror was offered a package at Pet Clinic Turkey in Antalya that included diagnostic tests for a cat's broken paw such as X-rays, surgery and aftercare, including physiotherapy and medicine, plus a hotel for pet and owner for 10 days, transfers and a city tour.

Their reporter was offered a cut-price nose job as part of the deal, costing between £4500 and £5,000 all in.

Treating a broken paw in the UK can cost £1200 to £2000, while X-rays are £300 to £400. A rhinoplasty ranges from £4000 to £7000.