MP Luke Charters backs reforms for fairer vet bills for pets

York Outer MP Luke Charters has welcomed what he called the biggest overhaul of the veterinary sector in more than 60 years, designed to make veterinary services clearer, fairer and more affordable for families and pet owners.

The proposed changes will improve price transparency, strengthen regulation, and modernise outdated rules, while also supporting vets and veterinary nurses.

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His comments follow a meeting with VetPartners, one of the UK’s largest veterinary groups, which is headquartered in his constituency York Outer.

Mr Charters said: “Anyone who has a pet knows how stressful it can be when you’re worried about their health – and that stress is made worse if costs aren’t clear. I’m a pet lover myself, so this matters to me personally.

“It was useful to meet VetPartners recently and hear directly about the pressures vets and nurses are facing, and how these reforms could make a difference.

“These reforms will make a real difference for pet owners here in York – giving people clearer information, more confidence in the care their animals receive, and reassurance that the system is fairer and more transparent.”

The MP and industry leaders discussed key challenges in the sector, including workforce shortages, rising costs for pet owners, and safeguarding high standards of animal welfare.

British Veterinary Association president Dr Rob Williams also voiced strong support for legislative changes.

Dr Williams said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.

“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work.

“It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.”

The reforms follow findings from the Competition and Markets Authority, which said issues in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years, with fees rising much faster than inflation.

The new rules aim to give pet owners clearer information about pricing and options while boosting accountability across the sector.