Pet prescription costs could be capped at £21 under new veterinary reforms

Pet owners could see prescription costs capped at £21 under sweeping Government proposals to overhaul the veterinary sector.

The plans, set out in a new white paper, would introduce major reforms to how veterinary practices operate, including a requirement for every clinic to hold an official operating licence.

The proposed licensing system would bring veterinary practices more closely into line with GP surgeries and care homes.

Labour is also considering creating a new independent regulator for the veterinary sector.

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Under the proposals, the regulator would carry out inspections and publish compliance reports for veterinary practices.

Vet clinics would also be required to display clear price lists and disclose ownership information so customers can make more informed choices before paying for treatment.

Ministers said the reforms are designed to improve transparency and increase competition in the veterinary sector.

According to the Government, more than 60 per cent of veterinary practices are now owned, either wholly or partly, by six corporate groups.

Five of those groups are backed by private equity investors: CVS, Pets at Home, Medivet, IVC Evidensia and VetPartners.

The sixth, Linnaeus, is owned by Mars Petcare, part of the US-based Mars group.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into the veterinary sector after concerns over rising costs and limited competition.

It concluded that customer satisfaction with veterinary prices was "low" and said competition between veterinary businesses was not working effectively.

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Ms Reynolds said: "Pets are part of the family, but for too many households the cost of caring for them has become a real worry.

"These reforms will help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and get the best value care for their pets."

She added: "We're modernising a system that hasn't been updated for 60 years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession."

Government figures show British pet owners spent more than £6.7billion on veterinary care and related services in 2024.

That equates to an average of around £390 for each household that owns a pet, while some treatments can cost substantially more.

Labour said cruciate ligament surgery for a dog can cost £5,000 or more.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: "We back the Government's proposals, which include our recommendations on regulating the sector.

"For the first time, these proposals would ensure that vet businesses are accountable to an independent regulator, while offering consumers more protection and a fairer deal."

Ministers said the veterinary profession has changed significantly since the Veterinary Surgeons Act was introduced in the 1960s.

At that time, the sector was dominated by agricultural practices and independent family-run businesses.

Today, most veterinary practices focus on treating cats, dogs and other small animals, while a small number of large corporate groups own a significant share of the market.

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