A cat rescue charity founder has spoken out about the organisation's rocketing vet bills amid the launch of a national review. 

Chantelle Farrow, who runs Kitty Rescue Bury, says the charity's vet bills have doubled from £5,000 to £10,000 a month.

Kitty Rescue is also currently oversubscribed with more than 180 homeless cats on the waiting list.

Chantelle believes this is partially due to pet owners hit by the cost of living crisis as well as rising vet bills.

A national review into veterinary pricing has been launched into the strain placed upon pet owners by soaring vet bills.  

The decline in independently-owned veterinary practices is a potential problem, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

It found that 89 per cent of vets were independent practices in 2013 with these dropping to about 45 per cent in 2021.

The CMA has also reported that the emergence of large vet chains “could impact pet owners' choices and reduce the incentives of local vet practices to compete". 

CVS is a nationwide veterinary surgery chain that operates the Pennine Pets veterinary surgeries in Tottington and Harwood and it also acquired Beech House Veterinary Surgery in Radcliffe in 2018.

A spokesperson said: “As the CMA have recognised, there continues to be a significant shortage of vets in the UK and employment costs represent the most significant proportion of our cost base. 

"Our pricing reflects this and other inflationary pressures experienced in recent years.”  

Chantelle said she has noticed the impact with “not enough independent vets” in the Bury area, which has limited Kitty Rescue’s options. 

She has also expressed concerns that even owners with pet insurance are finding their plan is not covering the now higher costs.

Chantelle is also keen to clarify that veterinary staff do not control prices and “wish they could do more” for struggling pet owners.

The review would like to hear from pet owners, veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and veterinary businesses.

Due to its charitable nature the rescue centre also receives discounts from vets where possible.