Vets will have to publish price lists under government reform

The government has proposed that vet practices publish price lists for common treatments and disclose if they are independent or part of a chain; every practice would also need an official operating licence and a consultation will run for eight weeks.

Government proposals would require vet practices to publish price lists for common treatments and to state whether they are independent or part of a chain. Each practice would also need an official operating licence, similar to those for GP surgeries and care homes. The measures follow a Competition and Markets Authority finding that fees have risen at almost twice the rate of inflation and that pet owners do not receive enough information about prices and practice status. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says the proposals are intended to make the system clearer and to support veterinary professionals. Key points: - Vet practices would be required to publish price lists for common treatments and to disclose if they are independent or part of a chain. - Every practice would need an official operating licence, described as similar to licences for GP surgeries and care homes. - Practices would be expected to provide straightforward routes for customers to raise concerns. - The Competition and Markets Authority reported that veterinary fees have risen at almost twice the rate of inflation and said its investigation is ongoing. - A government consultation on the proposals will run for eight weeks. Summary: The proposals aim to increase transparency and support veterinary professionals by requiring published prices, clearer information and operating licences. A government consultation will run for eight weeks to gather responses from pet owners and professionals. Outcomes and any further steps were not detailed.