Vet fees to be capped at £21 and price lists mandated in industry overhaul

Pet owners across the United Kingdom face a significant shift in how they access and pay for veterinary care. These reforms, which follow a two-and-a-half-year investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), are designed to address rising costs, inconsistent pricing, and a lack of transparency that officials say has left many households in the dark.

The Price of Care

Central to these changes is a new limit on the fees charged for issuing written prescriptions. Under the measures, veterinary practices will be restricted to charging a maximum of £21 for a first medicine and £12.50 for any additional drugs prescribed during the same consultation. This addresses a common grievance among pet owners, who have frequently reported paying fees of £30 or more for prescriptions, only to discover that the medication itself could be purchased significantly cheaper through online pharmacies. By making it mandatory for vets to inform owners about these alternatives and the ability to shop around, the CMA anticipates that many families could save significant sums on long-term treatments.

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However, the cap does not extend to the cost of actual veterinary procedures, such as consultations, vaccinations, surgeries, or scans. While these services remain uncapped, the industry is now required to provide greater clarity on expenses. Practices must publish comprehensive price lists for standard services on their websites, and provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, except in emergencies. If a treatment cost increases significantly, an updated written estimate must also be provided.

Ownership and Transparency

The regulatory shift aims to clarify the corporate structure of the modern veterinary market. Currently, six large groups control approximately 60% of all practices in the UK. Research conducted during the CMA’s inquiry revealed that less than half of clients were aware whether their local surgery was part of a larger chain. Under the new rules, practices must clearly disclose their ownership status, both on-site and online, to help owners make informed decisions about their choice of care.

Every vet practice will require an official operating licence, similar to those used for GP surgeries and care homes.

Industry and Consumer Response

James Buick, a vet in Northern Ireland, described the reforms as "common sense," noting that clear communication about costs helps both the business and the client avoid uncomfortable situations. Similarly, the British Veterinary Association welcomed the focus on informed choice. Its president, Rob Williams, cautioned that prices have been influenced by the high costs of modern medical technology and broader business expenses, noting that veterinary practices are not immune to general inflationary pressures. Large veterinary groups, including CVS, have indicated they are comfortable with the measures, viewing them as a "workable" path forward following industry feedback.

Looking ahead, the government is considering the introduction of an independent veterinary ombudsman to provide a clear route to redress for owners when complaints cannot be resolved directly with a practice.

Timeline of Reforms

• Before Christmas 2026: Large chain practices must display standard price lists and ownership information.
• March 2027: Prescription fee caps become enforceable for larger providers, alongside mandatory itemised billing.
• June 2027: Pricing data shared with third-party comparison sites via the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ "Find a Vet" service.
• September 2027: Mandatory, accessible complaints and mediation processes required across all practices.