Pet owners to get clearer pricing and licensing under vet rule changes

Proposed rules would require vet practices to publish price lists for common treatments and to state if they are independent or part of a chain, and would introduce official operating licences for all clinics.

The UK government has proposed changes to veterinary practice rules intended to give pet owners clearer information about costs and practice status. Under the plans, vet clinics would be required to publish price lists for common treatments and to state whether they are independent or part of a chain. Every practice would need an official operating licence, similar to GP surgeries and care homes, and must provide straightforward routes for customers to raise concerns. The proposals follow a Competition and Markets Authority finding that fees have risen at almost twice the rate of inflation. Key details: - Vet practices would be required to display price lists for common treatments. - Practices must clarify whether they are independent or part of a chain. - All clinics would need an official operating licence, modelled on other health and care settings. - Practices would be expected to provide clear routes for customers to raise concerns. - The changes follow a CMA finding that veterinary fees rose at almost twice the rate of inflation. Summary: The proposals are presented as measures to increase transparency on pricing and practice arrangements and to support animal health and a resilient veterinary workforce, according to officials. Undetermined at this time.