A-Breed-Apart House Sitters

22/09/2026

New rules governing Vet fees & practices include:
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) overhaul of the UK veterinary sector introduces practical, cost-saving measures following eye-watering price hikes in recent years.

​Three main points highlight how these rules directly benefit pet owners:

​1. Capped Paperwork Costs Make Online Pharmacies Viable
​Under the new rules, the fee a vet practice can charge simply for issuing a written prescription is strictly capped—at £21 for the first script and £12.50 for repeats or additional medications.

​Why it matters: Previously, some practices charged £30 or £40 just to hand over the paperwork. This hefty "convenience tax" wiped out any potential savings, effectively locking owners into buying marked-up medications directly from the practice. The cap makes taking a prescription to an accredited online pharmacy genuinely cost-effective for long-term treatments.

​2. Mandatory Upfront Price Lists and Cost Estimates
​Vet practices are now required to publish price lists for standard services (such as consultations, routine vaccinations, and common procedures) and provide mandatory written estimates for any non-emergency treatment expected to cost over £500.

​Why it matters: Pet owners will no longer face unexpected financial shocks when picking up their pets. Clear upfront costs allow clients to budget properly, ask informed questions about alternative options, and shop around for routine care without feeling on the back foot.
​3. Greater Transparency on Corporate Ownership and Price Comparison
​Practices must now clearly disclose whether they are independent or part of a larger corporate veterinary group, while the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is introducing a price comparison framework to foster healthy market competition.

​Why it matters: Many owners unwittingly switch practices searching for better value, only to land at another branch owned by the exact same corporate parent. Clear group branding and transparent comparison tools ensure owners can easily find genuinely competitive alternatives in their local area.

17/09/2026

Meet Zulu's Mum.
Such a lovely character!
She's 15 years young 😊

15/09/2026

Every time I look after Zulu, he seems even bigger.

He asked me to post this for Tongue Out Tuesday 😂

02/09/2026

It was a pleasure looking after these two sweet pups 🐶
We even wore the same colour tops 😂

28/08/2026

Where's Waldo? 😂
Actually it's Finlay and if you can't see him it's because his legs are the exact same shade as the grass.

He's such a sweet boy - loves his long walks and sniffs 🥰

And yes, this is England - scorched grass & bone dry chalk stream aside.

28/07/2026

Came across a field of 'Black Mitcham' on one of our walks. That's the dark green plant in the field & it's peppermint - used in chocolates, sweets, and beauty products... so we rolled in it.
Well... at least we smelled minty 😂😂

23/07/2026

She's had a rough week, but has turned a corner & is starting to feel much better. Horrible being ill when it's so nice out.
I tell you what though - she's an expert at spitting out any pills she finds hidden in her food! 😂😂
Got any advice on getting your dog to swallow its pills? Share in the comments.

04/07/2026

Such sad news received. This beautiful girl's passing yesterday due to illness will leave a huge hole in our hearts.
😪

23/04/2026

Important Update for UK Pet Owners Travelling to Europe (April 2026)

If you’ve previously travelled to the EU with your dog or cat using an EU-issued pet passport, this is one change you cannot afford to miss.
From Wednesday 22 April 2026, new enforcement rules are now in place.

👉 The EU has officially closed the loophole that allowed UK residents to use EU-issued pet passports (often obtained in France or Ireland).
👉 These passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain.

What this means for you:
You must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip
This applies even if your pet has a previously valid EU passport
Certificates must be issued by a vet within 10 days of travel
Costs can range from £100–£300 per pet, per trip
We’re already seeing travellers caught out, facing delays, last-minute vet visits, and unexpected costs.
If you’re planning a summer trip:
✔ Check your pet’s rabies vaccination now
✔ Speak to your vet early (appointments are limited)
✔ Allow time to organise your paperwork properly

For some, especially with multiple pets, this may be the moment to consider whether travelling together is still the best option.

A bit of early planning now will save a great deal of stress at the border.

If this helps, feel free to share it with other pet owners who may not yet be aware of the change.

03/02/2026

Feels like yesterday, but I filmed this back in November already. Looking forward to sitting these two very good Labs again 😍

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