Written prescription fees from veterinarians will be capped at £21 as part of new regulations that veterinary practices are required to implement in the coming months. The changes, mandated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), also require vets to inform clients about cheaper medicines available online, provide price estimates before treatment, and publish price lists for services.
The CMA's measures were introduced following an investigation that found veterinary prices were rising at nearly double the rate of inflation. Critics argue that these regulations may adversely affect independent veterinary practices while benefiting larger firms that control more than two-thirds of the market.
As of Tuesday, the CMA made these changes legally binding, giving veterinary practices up to 12 months to comply. In addition to the prescription fee cap, the regulations include:
- A requirement for veterinary practices to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services, including consultations, common procedures, and cremation options. - A written estimate must be provided for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, including aftercare costs, with emergencies being the only exception. - Vet businesses must clearly indicate whether they are part of a corporate group or operate independently.
To facilitate comparisons among local practices, price and ownership information will be available through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' "Find a Vet" service, which will share data with third-party comparison sites.
The timeline for implementing these changes varies based on the specific regulation and the size of the veterinary group. CMA panel chair Martin Coleman stated, "The changes that are being required are changes that will help inform pet owners about prices."
However, Cate Titterton, owner of an independent veterinary service in Saltburn, expressed concerns that the changes could lead to increased costs for customers, stating that practices may need to raise prices for consultations and surgeries to compensate for reduced profits on medications.
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams noted that many veterinary practices were already adhering to the CMA's recommendations, including those related to complaints handling and price estimates for routine procedures.
Clive Di Giorgio, a pet owner, shared his experience of being quoted thousands of pounds for unnecessary cancer treatment for his dog, highlighting concerns about transparency in veterinary pricing. He expressed a desire for a more affordable and transparent market for veterinary services.