The UK government has announced a major overhaul of the veterinary sector, aiming to reduce costs for pet owners by enforcing clearer pricing and greater transparency. The proposals follow a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation that found vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation, potentially costing UK households at least £1 billion over five years.
Under the plans, vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments and disclose ownership details, helping pet owners compare costs and choose between independent practices and larger chains. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said this would increase competition and bring down costs over time.
Additional measures include mandatory operating licences for all vet practices, similar to those for GP surgeries and care homes, and a more streamlined complaints process for customers. The government also plans to introduce regulatory oversight for veterinary businesses and update the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 when parliamentary time allows.
The CMA, which has been investigating the sector since 2024, proposed similar remedies in October, including capping prescription costs at £16 and requiring written price estimates for treatments over £500. Its final report is due in February or March 2025. Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry group, welcomed the government's consultation, noting that current rules are “not fit for purpose.”
