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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced new measures aimed at capping written prescription fees charged by veterinary practices to £21. Additionally, vets will now be required to publish clear price lists for their services. These steps are part of a broader effort to increase transparency and foster competition within the veterinary sector. The CMA also announced the launch of a price comparison website to help pet owners make more informed decisions and potentially reduce their expenses.
This initiative follows an extensive investigation by the CMA, which revealed that veterinary prices have been increasing at nearly twice the rate of general inflation. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) supported the moves, acknowledging that these changes will assist pet owners in making better-informed choices, but also highlighting that vet practices have faced rising operational costs. The reforms are expected to take effect later this year and include additional transparency requirements, such as vets disclosing whether they belong to a larger corporate group, addressing concerns over unclear ownership within the sector.
Among the CMA’s findings was the observation that over 70% of pet owners purchase long-term medication directly from their vets, despite many being able to save significant money—potentially £200 or more annually—by buying medication online. In response, the new rules mandate that vets must inform clients they can request a written prescription, which could help reduce costs. Moreover, besides capping prescription fees at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for subsequent drugs, veterinary businesses will have to publish comprehensive price lists for routine services and provide written estimates for treatments expected to exceed £500, except in emergencies. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ “Find a Vet” service will facilitate easy comparison by making pricing and ownership details publicly available.
The BVA’s president, Dr. Rob Williams, welcomed the reforms, describing the existing legislation as “woefully outdated.” He noted that while veterinary care prices have surged in recent years, advances in veterinary technology now allow for enhanced treatments that were previously unavailable, including alternatives to euthanasia. Dr. Williams emphasized that pet owners increasingly expect human-standard healthcare for their animals, which naturally entails higher costs. He encouraged pet owners concerned about expenses to communicate openly with their vets, assuring that practices will strive to offer support.
The article also features the experience of Kelly Norton, who travels extensively across Europe with her dog, Vinny. After being quoted £1,600 for a non-cancerous tumor removal in the UK, she sought a second opinion from a vet in Italy who quoted a cost of just €160 (£138). Kelly described the stark contrast in prices as “atrocious” and expressed frustration over how prohibitive UK costs can be for some pet owners, potentially leading to difficult decisions such as surrendering pets or euthanasia. While the BVA advises caution in directly comparing veterinary care costs internationally due to differences in services and diagnostics, Kelly feels fortunate to have the option to travel for treatment. She also voiced concern for those unable to access affordable care domestically
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