Having just read Jim Buttimer's comments regarding vets' bills (Letters, August 22), I am in total agreement with him, Just visiting a vet for a consultation is on the same level as going to a visit a private doctor.

Until three years ago, I have kept dogs and cats all my life - I'm not yet an OAP - and my last needed heart pills which cost a fortune every month from my local vet.

My way around this was to have her medication sent from Spain at a fraction of the cost.

I come into contact with many people, young and old, every day who would dearly love to have a dog or a cat but because of the outrageous cost they don't.

Maybe this is why the rescue centres are always full. Obviously, people who have animals want the best for them. However, I would be grateful if someone would tell us why the cost is so high - or is it just because we live in the South of England, where all services have become ridulously expensive?

  • Sally Ansell, Blatchington Road, Hove