Pet owners to benefit from veterinary sector reforms after 60 years

The government has launched a consultation to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act and introduce measures such as price transparency and business licensing; the consultation will run for eight weeks.

The government has announced major reforms to the veterinary sector, the first overhaul of the Veterinary Surgeons Act in around 60 years. Officials say the proposals aim to improve price transparency, introduce licensing for practices and modernise regulation for veterinary professionals including veterinary nurses. A public consultation has been launched and will run for eight weeks. Key points: - Competition and Markets Authority research reported that problems in the veterinary market could cost households up to £1 billion over five years and that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation. - The proposals would require practices to publish price lists, disclose ownership, hold an official operating licence and expand regulation to veterinary nurses and some allied roles. - The consultation is open now and will run for eight weeks. Summary: If adopted, ministers say the reforms aim to make the system clearer and fairer for pet owners while strengthening professional recognition and oversight. The government will review consultation responses during the eight-week period; any further steps were not specified in the announcement.