'Ludicrous' vet bills just 'greed' says dog owner

MAN PAID £515 FOR OVERNIGHT MONITORING OF JACK RUSSELL

- KATIE OBORN

A PLYMOUTH man has slammed “ludicrous” vet fees after having to take his dog to emergency care. Jack Russell Buddy had accidentally swallowed plant fertiliser and was rushed to the Plymouth Veterinary Group on Colwill Road in Estover.

Owner Neil Tomlinson had his pet covered with insurance – a policy with Napo Pet Insurance – that he said covered Buddy for up to £12,000.

But a Plymouth Vets spokesperson said a policyholder typically “pays for the service upfront and then seeks reimbursement from their insurance provider”. However, Neil, 42, was “shocked” at the upfront cost of Buddy’s overnight care and alleged the vets wouldn’t take him unless he promised a £600-£800 payment.

Plymouth Vets said that “out-of-hours veterinary fees can typically be higher than daytime fees” but the situation left Neil having to “borrow money”.

Neil said: “It was ludicrous as I’ve got insurance which includes emergency care. A lot of people would not have the money to pay upfront and the amount they’ve charged is ridiculous.