As a vet will try to shed some light on the situation:
All over the world there is a shortage of vets. In Canada and US there probably 20% of vets less than it's needed, in the UK around 5%. On top of that as vets we have a 'duty of care'. That means we are obliged by law to provide 24hrs care to pir registered patients. Or in person or out sourced to the 3rd party. And since our work is demanding anyways and we are only humas we can't work 24hrs a day 7 days a week. That creates an issue with Out Of Hours vets who can charge ridiculous ampunt of money for night or weekend shifts. And to cover their wages that's is passed onto Owners.
Locum vets in the UK , for a day shift of consulting only ( No operations, no emergencies etc) charge from 600 pounds a day, plus agency fee. Some also charge accomodation and car allowance.
I do feel for the Owners and sometimes it does feel like they are taken advantage of but on the other hand having a pet is a priviledge not a necessity. And for sure in the UK some people seem to forget it.