**Family Stunned as Newport Vet Charges £180 to Euthanise Elderly Hamster**
A Newport family has expressed their disbelief after being quoted an astonishing £180 by a local veterinary practice to put their ageing hamster to sleep. The incident has reignited debate about rising veterinary costs and how such expenses are impacting pet owners across the region.
Nicky Paddywack, the owner of a blind Syrian hamster named Pan, said they were given the hefty estimate by Alphavet in Langstone. The veterinary practice reportedly justified the high fee by classifying the diminutive rodent as a “tropical pet”. Nicky described the experience as shocking, and questioned the fairness of the veterinary industry’s pricing structure.
“When they told me the price over the phone, I thought it was a joke,” Nicky recalled. “I had to get them to say it again, just to be sure. But then the realisation hit and I was left both angry and disappointed. The current situation means vets can charge whatever they like, with little oversight or regulation on their fees.”
Fortunately, after making a few calls, the family found an alternative vet in nearby Chepstow who offered to carry out the procedure for just £16. Nicky added, “I was willing to make the trip – some people don’t have those options and might feel stuck.”
Their pet, Pan, was very elderly and had become unable to walk or see. Nicky felt there was no choice but to take the kindest course of action and arrange for Pan to be euthanised. “It’s not an easy decision, but it’s what was best for him in the end,” they said.
During their visit to the more affordable practice, Archers Vets, Nicky noted that the staff provided additional compassion by including flowers with Pan. “It was a thoughtful gesture and really made a difference at a sad time. I’ve always brought my hamsters here – they treat each animal with care and understanding.”
The dramatic difference in pricing has raised questions about veterinary service costs, particularly at a time when many households are struggling with the cost of living. Nicky said, “How can it cost over £180 in one place, yet only £16 elsewhere? It’s hard to understand. Some say, ‘don’t have a pet if you can’t afford it’, but the reality is that rapidly inflating vet fees make it almost impossible for some families to keep pets healthy and happy.”
According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, the costs associated with veterinary and other pet services have soared by nearly 50% since 2015 – significantly outpacing general price inflation. Booster vaccinations for pets, which are an annual necessity for many owners, are now almost 50% more expensive compared to four years ago. Meanwhile, the price of pet insurance has jumped by more than 20% in just a single year.
Industry experts point to several factors behind these increases. These include a surge in pet ownership during the pandemic, the consolidation of independent veterinary practices under large corporate groups, and the expense of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies. As fees spiral, many owners are having to make tough decisions about their animals’ care.
The issue has not gone unnoticed by regulators. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently conducting a formal investigation into pricing practices within the veterinary sector, with findings slated for release later this year. The aim is to determine whether consumers are receiving fair value and to improve transparency across the industry.
When approached for comment, Alphavet Langstone had not yet responded. Their policy of categorising hamsters as “tropical” or “exotic” pets remains unclear, though it is understood that practices often charge more for animals they perceive as non-standard.
As debates over ethical pricing and access to affordable pet care continue, many owners are calling for greater regulation and oversight. Nicky’s story serves as a stark reminder that, for some families, decisions about their beloved animals are being driven not just by compassion but by cost.