Veterinary prices in Sweden have increased by 50 percent in recent years, according to the Swedish Competition Authority. The authority's report shows that acute care for dogs and cats became 50 percent more expensive between 2020 and 2025. 6 million cats in Sweden.
The Social Democrats and Sweden Democrats are calling for measures to help pet owners. Martin Kinnunen, the Sweden Democrats' spokesperson on pet issues, said the price development has been crazy and that politics must do something about it. He stated that the party wants to implement the Competition Authority's proposals.
the price development has been crazy and that politics must do something about it
Social Democrat Åsa Westlund said many are forced to pay exorbitant prices and that people's suffering is being exploited. She noted that prices have risen as private equity firms have bought up more and more clinics. Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren of the Christian Democrats wrote in an email that the government wants good competition and transparent prices and is working swiftly on the proposals.
The Competition Authority's report suggests that large companies have driven price increases and proposes a range of measures. These include introducing national treatment recommendations in animal healthcare, taking steps to improve price information for pet owners at clinics and animal hospitals, and extending the scope of consumer service laws to cover animal care. SVT sought comment from the three largest companies: Evidensia, Anicura, and Svenska veterinärgruppen.
the party wants to implement the Competition Authority's proposals
Only Evidensia responded, stating that the reason for the price increase is that animal care has become more advanced.
many are forced to pay exorbitant prices and that people's suffering is being exploited
prices have risen as private equity firms have bought up more and more clinics
the government wants good competition and transparent prices and is working swiftly on the proposals