Pet owners are set to receive greater transparency over veterinary costs under new rules that will cap prescription fees and require practices to provide clearer information about prices.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has made a series of measures legally binding following its investigation into the UK veterinary sector, which found that prices had been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation.
Under the changes, vets will be able to charge a maximum of £21 for a written prescription and must tell clients when medicines may be available more cheaply online.
Practices will also be required to publish comprehensive price lists for standard services, including consultations and common procedures.
For treatments expected to cost £500 or more, owners must be given a written estimate in advance, including expected aftercare costs, followed by an itemised bill. Emergency treatment will be exempt from the advance estimate requirement.
Practices will also have to make it clear whether they are independently owned or form part of a larger veterinary group. Price and ownership information will eventually be made available through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet service to make it easier for owners to compare practices.
The new requirements will be introduced over the coming months, with veterinary businesses given up to 12 months to implement all of the changes.
The British Veterinary Association said many practices were already working in line with a number of the measures, but has previously raised concerns that new requirements should not disproportionately affect smaller independent practices.
