They might have just saved a beloved pooch or guinea pig, but instead of gratitude hundreds of vets around the country frequently face intimidation and threats of violence from their clients.

Pet owners are increasingly likely to pressure their vet to waive their fees, becoming angry and aggressive over the cost of care, a report has found.

The survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that nearly nine out of 10 vets in the UK have experienced some form of intimidation.

It found that 85 per cent of vets said they or a member of their team had felt threatened by a client’s language or behaviour.

This has included swearing, shouting, threats to damage property or defame the practice on social media, and even death threats.

Some clients become aggressive when asked to bring in their pet for follow up checks or were angry at the cost of the treatment suggested, accusing the practice of being “money grabbing”.

While around half of vets have felt personally intimidated, support staff such as receptionists often bear the brunt of pet owners' threatening behaviour.

Robin Hargreaves, a vet of 30 years’ experience in north west England, said: “I’m afraid it’s almost a daily occurrence. It’s usually over money. People will tell you that if we really loved animals we should treat theirs for free - what they forget is that they aren’t the only ones asking that.