Vets trips to have lower prices and fewer nasty surprises

Trips to vets in the UK could soon become less expensive. And crucially, there should be fewer nasty surprises when the bill comes. Vet practices will have to publish standard price lists. Any treatment costing over £500 (except emergencies) will require a detailed written estimate. And prescriptions will have a price cap of £21.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into vet services for household pets in the UK. This comes after an independent inquiry group found that the current system is leaving pet owners in the dark. A lack of information that helps people make informed decisions is leading to weak competition and high prices.

An unprecedented response from both the public and the sector has helped to shape the CMA’s final report. 56,000 people took part in the consultation, including 11,000 working in the vet industry.

The report green lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate and more responsive to pet owners’ needs. The investigation has intensified public scrutiny of the veterinary services industry. However, the professionalism, compassion, and commitment to animal welfare shown by veterinary professionals remains unquestioned.

Martin Coleman, chair of the independent inquiry group, said:

This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today’s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.

Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds. Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.

Our changes put pet owners at the centre but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgement from undue commercial pressure – and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care.

What’s changing at the vets?

A raft of changes will come in over the next 18 months. Small independent vets will have longer to introduce the new measures. Large companies, such as chain groups, will have to meet the demands sooner, including making clear their company ownership. All the changes that affect customers should come in by September 2027.

One of the first measures is that practices will have to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services. This will include consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options. Currently, fewer than 40% of practices do this.

Vets will have to tell pet owners they can have a written prescription. Using a written prescription to buy medication elsewhere, instead of at the vet practice itself, could save £200 a year. At the moment, over 70% of customers get their long-term medication from the practice.

Written prescription fees will have a cap of £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines. Currently, fees often top £30.

By September 2027, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons will have an online ‘Find a Vet’ service. This will enable pet owners to find price and ownership information from their local providers. And the service will share the data with third-party comparison sites. Right now there’s no easy way to compare prices.

Featured image via the Canary