News
Pet owners want more clarity around vet fees
RECENT research has revealed that 78% of pet owners believe there should be greater transparency regarding the cost of veterinary treatments. Alarmingly, over a quarter (28%) said they were not always informed about the costs before agreeing to treatment.
The study, commissioned by John Lewis Pet Insurance and conducted among 2,000 UK pet owners, aimed to understand perceptions of veterinary care costs and the role of pet insurance. It found that just over half (52%) of pet owners said their vet practice clearly displays pricing information. Regional differences were notable, with only 38% of practices in Northern Ireland displaying prices compared to 75% in London.
Lack of clarity impacting treatment decisions
The research highlighted how unclear pricing can affect pet care. Over a third (38%) of respondents believed they were charged more than initially quoted, leading 23% to discontinue treatment for their pets due to unexpected or increased fees.
Advice from a veterinarian
Veterinarian Martin Stevens advises pet owners to ask detailed questions about treatment plans to avoid surprises:
- “Ask about potential medicines, overnight stays, and post-treatment needs,” he said.
- “Understanding the full scope of care and associated costs ensures owners feel informed and prepared.”
Tips to manage vet fees
Stevens shared practical advice for pet owners:
- Consider pet insurance: This provides financial cover and peace of mind.
- Register with a vet early: Having a vet in place ensures you’re prepared for emergencies.
- Shop around: Compare costs for routine check-ups, X-rays, or ultrasounds across practices.
- Annual health checks: Spotting issues early can reduce long-term costs.
- Understand treatment journeys: Ask about every stage, including recovery, follow-ups, and associated costs.
Niall Lownie from John Lewis Pet Insurance added:
“What’s clear from our research is that many pet owners are sadly unprepared for veterinary expenses. Pet insurance can provide much-needed support, covering treatments like behavioural care and dietary needs.”
For more details, including the average costs of common veterinary treatments in the UK, visit John Lewis Pet Insurance.
Community
Narberth Eisteddfod fundraisers celebrate reaching £8,000 target
Community support and a £2,000 contribution from Narberth Town Council help committee achieve its fundraising goal
Narberth Eisteddfod Fundraising Committee is celebrating after successfully reaching its £8,000 fundraising target.
The milestone follows a busy programme of events organised by the committee, each of which received strong support from residents, businesses and community groups across the Narberth area.

Committee chair Glinys Meredydd thanked everyone who had helped make the campaign a success.
She said: “I would like to thank all members of the Narberth Eisteddfod team for their hard work and commitment.
“They organised some fantastic events, which were extremely well supported by the local community.
“I would also like to thank Narberth Town Council, which donated £2,000 on behalf of the people of Narberth.”

The committee will hold one final fundraising event with a last sale of its locally produced and hand-printed Eisteddfod Garreg Las 2026 T-shirts.
Members of the public are invited to visit the committee at Narberth Carnival Field on Saturday, July 25, where they will have a final opportunity to buy or win one of the T-shirts and join the celebrations ahead of the Eisteddfod’s return to Pembrokeshire.
The committee has thanked everyone who attended an event, made a donation, volunteered their time, purchased a T-shirt or helped promote the campaign.
Reaching the £8,000 target has been described as a powerful example of what can be achieved when the Narberth community comes together in support of Welsh language and culture.

Crime
Man, 37, found dead following major police response in Pembroke Dock
Death not being treated as suspicious as police make statutory referral to IOPC following active investigation
A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been found dead at Warrior Way in Pembroke Dock.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers attended the area at around 7pm on Sunday, July 19, after concerns were raised for the welfare of an individual.
There was a significant police presence in the area, with several units positioned at the scene on Sunday and further police activity continuing into Monday.
The scale of the response prompted speculation among members of the public about the nature of the incident.
Police have now confirmed that the man was found deceased and that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
His next of kin have been informed.
HM Coroner has been advised, and officers will continue to assist with the coroner’s investigation.
The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because the man had been involved in an active police investigation.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the referral was made in line with the IOPC’s statutory referral criteria.
Such referrals are required in certain circumstances and do not, in themselves, indicate that police officers or staff are suspected of wrongdoing.
Charity
Salvation Army offers free meals and school uniforms to families across Wales
Children in Mold can receive free meals throughout the summer holidays, while thousands of school uniform items are being distributed through centres in Swansea and Cardiff
THE SALVATION ARMY is helping families across Wales cope with the additional cost of the school summer holidays by providing free meals for children and free school uniforms ahead of the new academic year.
Its church and community centre in Mold is opening from 9.30am until 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday, throughout the Welsh school holidays.
Free meals are available to all children aged under 16, with no requirement for accompanying adults to purchase anything.
Major Michelle Hayter said the scheme had made a significant difference to families in the area over recent years.
She said: “If your children usually receive free school meals, suddenly having to provide lunch, snacks and activities every day can be costly.
“By offering free meals, we are helping families free up money so they can enjoy the fun things their children want to do.
“When we remind parents that the meals are free, you can see the smile on their faces.”
The Mold centre is also holding recycling-themed craft sessions on selected days, including activities such as making mosaic coasters, decorating jars and creating bird feeders.
The charity is also supporting parents who may already be concerned about the cost of buying school uniforms for September.
Salvation Army charity shops and donation centres across Wales are offering free school uniform items, subject to availability.
Donation centres in Gorseinon, Swansea, and Cardiff have already distributed more than 3,000 items donated by Bridgend-based school uniform supplier Euroschools Direct.
Craig Mawer, manager at Euroschools Direct, said the company wanted its unused stock to benefit families rather than go to waste.
He said: “We are really pleased the uniforms have been able to support The Salvation Army’s work.
“When we realised we had unused stock, we wanted it to make a genuine difference rather than end up as waste.
“The Salvation Army felt like the right choice because of its strong community presence and the support it offers to parents facing financial pressure.”
Families seeking help are advised to contact their nearest Salvation Army church, community centre, charity shop or donation centre to find out what support is available locally.
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