UK veterinary sector reforms planned to tackle high costs of pet care

The biggest shake-up of the UK veterinary sector for 60 years should push down costs for pet owners by requiring practices to make their pricing clearer, the government has said.Ministers have announced a package of measures after an investigation into reported high prices found problems in the vet sector could be costing UK households at least £1bn over five years.The proposals, which will now be consulted on, would require vet practices to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about the various options, making it easier for owners to make the right choice for their pets, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said. “Knowing key prices beforehand helps owners to choose the best value,” it added.It is estimated that 60% of UK households – about 17 million – have a pet, and owners spent about £6.3bn on veterinary and other services in 2024, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which found that vet fees had risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation.That figure works out at an average of just over £365 for each pet-owning household, but some owners end up paying much more than that. Surgery for cruciate ligament disease – a common procedure for dogs – can cost up to £5,000, and occasionally more.The CMA has been investigating the sector since 2024 and published its provisional findings and remedies in October, with its final report due in February or March this year. The Defra announcement suggests ministers are keen to move swiftly, with many of the government proposals the same or similar to those put forward by the markets watchdog.Under the Defra plans, vet businesses will have to disclose who owns them so pet owners know if their local practice is part of a larger chain or is independent. It said this would increase competition and bring down costs over time.Meanwhile, every vet practice will need an official operating licence – similar to GP surgeries and care homes – and there are plans for an easier and more effective route for customers to raise concerns and complaints.Other proposals include introducing regulatory oversight for veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, and updating the processes for vet registration and “fitness to practise”.Specific measures proposed by the CMA in October included capping the cost of providing prescriptions at £16, prices in writing for treatments costing more than £500, and pricing breakdowns for pet care plans in an attempt to improve value for money. It also proposed creating a comprehensive price comparison website.Martin Coleman, the chair of the CMA inquiry group, said: “We welcome the government’s consultation … Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose.”Defra said clearer pricing “will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money”. Some of the measures will involve updating the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 “when parliamentary time allows”.