Pet prescriptions could be capped at £21 under proposed vet sector reforms

The UK government is exploring significant reforms for the veterinary sector, potentially capping prescriptions for pet medicine at £21. This measure is part of a broader strategy to tackle rising costs and improve competition for pet owners who have faced substantial bills and limited choices.

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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.

Further proposals include the establishment of a dedicated regulator for veterinary practices. This regulator would oversee inspections, enforce a mandatory licensing system, and publish compliance reports. The aim is to enhance accountability and provide pet owners with greater clarity and choice when seeking care for their animals. Many veterinary practices are currently owned by a few large monopolies, raising concerns about market dominance.

Currently, over 60% of veterinary practices are owned by six major groups, many backed by private equity investors or large corporations like Mars Petcare. The government is also considering mandatory price lists and greater transparency regarding ownership structures. These potential changes stem from a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finding that public satisfaction with veterinary service costs is low, with insufficient competition between businesses.

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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.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that the reforms aim to modernize a system unchanged for 60 years, putting pet owners first. The CMA's chief executive, Sarah Cardell, expressed support for the proposals, emphasizing that they would ensure veterinary businesses are accountable to an independent regulator and offer consumers better protection and fairer deals. The reforms come amid concerns that the rise of private equity ownership has prioritized profit over pet care, reducing consumer choice.

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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.