“Pets are part of the family, but for too many households the cost of caring for them has become a real worry. These reforms will help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and get the best value care for their pets." explained environment secretary Emma Reynolds.
“We’re modernising a system that hasn’t been updated for 60 years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession.”
60 years on
The proposed changes reflect changes in the industry, which is still regulated by the Veterinary Surgeons Act of the 1960s. At the time, the industry was made up of family-run businesses.
Now, most vet practices operating across the UK are operated by monopolies, with more than 60% owned by six groups.
Welcome changes for pets and their people
Pet owners have faced increasingly high costs in recent years, with little competition between veterinary practices.
The government is now considering establishing a regulator, including inspections, a licensing system, mandatory price lists, and a cap on the cost of prescriptions, at £21.