Pet prescriptions could be capped at £21 under proposed vet sector reforms | Veterinary medicine
Vets in the UK may be required to license and cap prescriptions for pet medicines at £21 under plans considered by the government.
Ministers are also considering creating a regulator for the veterinary sector, including inspections, a compulsory licensing system and published compliance reports to improve accountability and choice. Each veterinary clinic may need a formal business license, similar to GP surgeries and nursing homes, under proposals in a white paper.
Pet owners face high bills and little competition among veterinary practices, many of which are purchased by monopolies. More than 60% of veterinary practices are wholly or partially owned by six groups: CV, Pets at Home, Medivet, IVC and VetPartners, owned by private equity investors; and Linnaeus, whose parent company is Mars Petcare, a subsidiary of US confectionery group Mars.
Mandatory price lists and transparency regarding ownership structure may also be introduced within the scope of the measures outlined in the technical report published on Thursday.
This year the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found public satisfaction with the cost of services was “low” and “there is no strong competition between veterinary businesses” dominated by large chains.
Environment Minister Emma Reynolds said: “Pets are part of the family, but for many households the cost of looking after them has become a real concern. These reforms will help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and ensure they get the best care for their pets.”
“We are modernizing a system that has not been updated in 60 years, putting pet owners first while giving veterinarians the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession.”
Pet owners spent more than £6.7bn on veterinary and other services in 2024; This works out to £390 for each pet-owning household. Some spend much more: for example, surgery for cruciate ligament disease, a common procedure for dogs, can cost up to £5,000, and sometimes more.
Ministers said the changes were necessary because the sector today is radically different from the 1960s when the Veterinary Surgeons Act came into force. At the time, the industry consisted largely of agricultural veterinary practices and small family-run businesses. Most veterinarians now care for small animals, and practices are run by a handful of monopolies.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “We support the government’s proposals, which include our proposals for regulating the industry. For the first time, these proposals will ensure veterinary businesses are accountable to an independent regulator, while offering consumers greater protection and a fairer deal.”
This year, leading exotic animal vet Great Western Exotics – the only training center in avian medicine in the UK – closed after being bought by a major conglomerate. Campaigners said the rise in private capital in the veterinary sector was reducing consumer choice and leading to a focus on profit rather than pet care.
