Pet owners across the UK are set to benefit from sweeping new reforms to veterinary pricing, after the competition watchdog found that costs have been climbing at nearly double the rate of inflation.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that written prescription fees – currently uncapped – will be limited to £21 for the first medication and £12.50 for each additional medicine. Practices will also be required to publish comprehensive price lists covering consultations, common procedures and cremation options, giving owners much greater visibility over what they’re paying for.
The changes follow an extensive CMA investigation into the veterinary sector, which is worth more than £6.7bn and serves the roughly 60% of UK households that own a pet.
One of the most striking findings was that over 70% of pet owners were buying long-term medication directly from their practice, despite many being able to save £200 or more a year by purchasing online. Going forward, vets will be required to let owners know they can request a written prescription to shop around.
Martin Coleman, chair of the independent Inquiry Group, said: “Today’s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.
“Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.
“Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.”
What changes for pet owners?
Under the new rules, any treatment expected to cost £500 or more must come with a written estimate in advance, including aftercare costs, followed by an itemised bill. Emergencies are the only exception.
Practices will also have to disclose whether they are part of a larger corporate group or operate independently – addressing longstanding concerns about a lack of clarity around ownership in the sector. This information, along with pricing data, will be available through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ “Find a Vet” service and shared with third-party comparison websites.
A dedicated price comparison site is also planned, with the CMA expecting the reforms to begin taking effect later this year.
Industry response
The RSPCA welcomed the move towards greater transparency. Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet – Operations, Partnerships and Prevention at the RSPCA, said: “We know costs are a real concern for pet owners – and our Animal Kindness Index found more than half (52%) are worried about how to afford vet bills.
“That’s why clearer pricing is such an important step forward – bringing greater transparency to the sector, and helping current and future pet owners understand the potential financial implications of responsible pet ownership.
“We’d urge any pet owner struggling to seek advice as soon as possible. There’s some practical information on our website.
She added: “These changes can equip pet owners with knowledge and confidence to deal with health and welfare concerns their pets may have promptly – protecting animals and ensuring many welfare issues do not escalate.”
Dr Rob Williams, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), also backed the reforms, calling existing veterinary legislation “woefully outdated”. He acknowledged that prices had risen sharply but pointed to significant advances in animal medicine as a key factor, noting that vets “can now do much more to manage disease and injury in animals”, where previously the only option may have been to put a pet down.
He added: “Owners today also have a greater expectation of their vet, with many expecting human quality healthcare for their pets and whilst this is possible to deliver, it comes at a cost.
“If pet owners do have concerns about cost, talk to us, we will always do our best to help.”
The BVA said the measures “will help pet owners make more informed choices” but stressed that vet practices themselves had not been immune to rising costs.
The CMA also confirmed its support for the government’s proposed reforms to veterinary law, which would make businesses – not just individual practitioners – accountable to an independent regulator.