If people are prepared to shop around, they could save up to �700 over their pet's lifetime

Which?

Vaccinations and basic health checks for cats add up to about �1,500 - while spaying and looking after a dog can set you back about �600.

But as soon as as the animal falls ill, the cost of treatment and surgery can easily climb to �1,000 or more.

Researchers from Which? - the Consumers Association's trading arm - anonymously rang 120 vets across the UK to ask about standard treatments.

They found the average cost of spaying a labrador was highest in London at �145 - while in Cumbria and Lancashire it was about �90.

Cost of spaying a Labrador varies between �80 and �225

Which?

But prices also differed greatly within the same area. One practice in Aberdeen quoted �80 for the operation - another �225.

They also checked what anaesthetics were used, what checks were made before and during operations and what blood tests were carried out - to see whether differences here would affect price.

The veterinary profession is self-regulating and its governing body, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, has no jurisdiction over fees.

Each practice operates as a private business and can set whatever fees it deems appropriate.

The average cat costs �7,000 over its lifetime

Although small differences in procedure were found, the magazine said they were not enough to explain the wide price variations. It added that if people with generally healthy pets are prepared to shop around, they could save themselves up to �700 over their pet's lifetime.

More than 10,000 vets work in around 3,000 practices across the UK.

They say prices vary because of the location of practices, their overheads, the range of services offered - some even offer osteopathy for pets - and the high price of drugs.

Although practices are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons it has no control over fees.

Value for money is not the only sign of a good vet

Each practice is a separate business, and can set whatever fees it thinks are appropriate.

Editor of Which? Graeme Jacobs said they wanted to see all vets publish guideline price lists for their treatments, so that pet owners are able compare prices easily.

"In this unregulated market it is clear that animal owners should shop around to find the best price and discuss costs with their vet before proceeding with treatment on their pet," he said.