Government unveils planned shake-up of veterinary sector

(Sharecast News) - The government has launched a consultation on plans to make veterinary prices clearer, it confirmed on Wednesday, in response to widespread concerns about soaring costs.

Under proposals put forward by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, vets will be required to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about the various options available.

Vets will also have to disclose who owns them, helping owners know if their local practice is an independent business or part of a larger chain. Defra said 60% of practices are now owned by non-vets, "with many operating unclear ownership structures".

Defra is also proposing introducing an official operating licence, and improving complaint procedures.

Animal welfare minister Baroness (Helene) Hayman said owners "deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.

"We're focused on making vet services work better."

The Competition and Markets Authority estimates that around 17m households have a pet in the UK, spending around £6.3bn on veterinary and other services in the 2024 alone.

The regulator launched an investigation into the sector two years ago over concerns that vet fees had soared well above inflation. It published its provisional findings and remedies in October, with its final report due in the coming weeks.

It recommended capping the cost of providing prescriptions at £16 and introducing pricing breakdowns.

Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry group, said: "We welcome the government's consultation to update this vital regulation and protect pet owners.

"Our vet investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming at pace."

Tim Park, president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, welcomed the Defra consultation, adding: "At nearly 60 years old, the Veterinary Surgeons Act is in urgent need of reform. It's time for change."

The Defra consultation will run for eight weeks.