Veterinary practices are the most profitable form of business in the UK, according to a new report.
Conducted by Asda Financial Services, the study found that vets enjoyed an average 37 per cent return on capital per year over the past two years.
Following the research, the group said that it was more vital than ever for consumers to protect themselves against vet fees by taking out a
pet insurance policy.
Gideon Ingham, head of insurance at the firm, said the need to take out a robust policy was compounded by a general period of economic belt-tightening as fuel, energy and food costs soar.
He said: "Gone are the days when animal lovers only visited the vet for tablets, neutering and putting pets to sleep."
The expensive and complex operations available for pets today are more akin to the level of care you would expect with humans, Mr Ingham suggested.
According to Sainsbury's Bank, as many as 11 million British pet owners held no insurance cover for their animals.
InsureandGo provides
pet insurance options for financial security and peace of mind.