The Competition and Markets Authority has mandated sweeping reforms to the veterinary sector following an investigation that found prices rising at nearly double the inflation rate. The changes, which became legally binding on Tuesday, will require vet practices to implement new transparency and pricing measures over the coming months.
Under the new regulations, prescription fees from written prescriptions will be capped at £21. Veterinary practices must also publish comprehensive price lists for standard services including consultations, common procedures, and cremation options. For any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, practices are required to provide written estimates in advance along with itemised bills, with emergencies being the sole exception. Additionally, vet businesses must clearly disclose whether they operate as independent practices or are part of a larger corporate group.
Veterinarians must inform clients if more affordable medications are available through online sources. Information regarding pricing and ownership will be made accessible through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ “Find a Vet” service, which will share data with third-party comparison websites to help pet owners evaluate local options. The timeline for implementing these changes varies depending on the specific requirement and the size of the veterinary business, with up to 12 months allowed for full compliance.
Critics have expressed concern that the measures may disproportionately affect independent veterinary practices while benefiting larger corporate groups that currently own more than two-thirds of practices nationally. Some independent vet owners suggest that restrictions on medication profit margins will necessitate increases in other service fees. However, industry representatives note that many practices were already largely compliant with the proposed remedies prior to their official implementation.
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