Vets will have to publish price lists, cap prescription costs, and disclose whether they are part of a larger group under government plans for the biggest shake-up of the sector in 60 years.
The package of measures is a response to an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which found problems in the vet sector could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years.
The report found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation, and pet owners are often unaware of prices or are not given estimates for treatments that can run into thousands of pounds.
In a white paper published on Thursday, the government promised to radically modernise the industry, with a series of reforms it intends to legislate for.
ITV News takes a look at what these changes could mean for you and your four-legged friends.
What are the costs of owning a pet?
An estimated 60% of UK households – about 17 million – have a pet, and the cost of owning one has risen steeply in recent years.
In 2024, the most recent year for which figures are available, owners spent about £6.7bn on veterinary and other services, according to the CMA. This works out at about £390 a year per pet-owning household.
There have been growing concerns that pet owners were not always given the full picture of the costs for services and there has been a push for a law for vets to provide itemised bills and written estimates for more expensive treatments.
A Which? survey last year showed that more than 50% of pet owners consider the price of vet care to be excessive, despite just less than a quarter saying they have issues with the quality of care.
Speaking about the necessity of these changes, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “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.
“We’re modernising a system that hasn’t been updated for sixty years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession.”
What will the government change?
The white paper set out by the government sets out changes to several aspects of veterinary care.
When they come into force, vet practices will be legaly required to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about options and changes, allowing pet owners to choose the best treatment for their animals.
Alongside this pet owners will be supported by an enhanced ‘Find a Vet’ service to improve choice and competition.
The government also intends to cap prescription fees at £21, saying “knowing key prices beforehand helps owners to choose the best value.”
A new independent veterinary ombudsman will also be established to give pet owners a clear and straightforward route to redress when complaints cannot be resolved directly with their practice.
This body will have the power to make binding decisions, with the intention that it will ensure disputes are resolved more quickly and fairly, increasing consumer confidence.
The White Paper also includes new proposals for veterinary businesses to be subject to statutory regulation, including a mandatory licensing system, inspections and published compliance reports to improve accountability.
The government said 60% of vet practices are owned by non-vets, with many operating under unclear ownership structures.
Under the new plans, vet businesses must disclose who owns them so pet owners know if their local practice is part of a larger chain or independent.
Will the reforms benefit veterinary professionals?
As part of the reforms, the government has also announced a package of measures aimed at helping “improve job satisfaction and boost retention rates” within the industry.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents 19,000 members, said legislative reform will have a “significant impact on vets’ daily work,” and urged vets to engage with the proposals and share their views via the consultation.
The new measures will introduce legal recognition for veterinary nurses to strengthen professional identity, helping improve job satisfaction and boosting retention rates.
The government also plans to modernise the registration process for vets, focusing on current competence rather than past mistakes when assessing “fitness to practice”.
Dr Rob Williams, BVA President, said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.
“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work.”
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “The veterinary profession has changed enormously over the past 60 years, but the legislation underpinning it has not kept pace.
“This new framework will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals.”
The CMA’s Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell said: “We back the government’s proposals, which include our recommendations on regulating the sector. For the first time, these proposals would ensure that vet businesses are accountable to an independent regulator, while offering consumers more protection and a fairer deal.”
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