Pet owners will soon know exactly how much they face paying in vets’ fees
Extortionate surprise fees for pet owners could soon come to an end, as vets are forced to make clear how much common procedures will cost in advance.
The new requirement is part of a major overhaul of the vet sector launched by the government, which will also introduce a new GP-style licencing system.
An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last year found that 84% of UK vet practice websites contained no pricing information at all.
That is despite prices in the sector rising rapidly – almost twice the rate of broader inflation.
The CMA found the price of a regular check-up could range from £25 to £70 based on the practice and length of consultation, while the price range of neutering went from £120 to £700 for dogs and £50 to £300 for cats.
Other measures are also being brought in to ensure competition between vet practices, including a requirement for them to disclose whether they are independent or part of a big chain.
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According to the CMA, the lack of measures to boost competition in the sector has cost pet owners at least £1 billion over five years.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs described the proposals as the ‘the first overhaul in sixty years’ since the Veterinary Surgeons Act in 1966.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: ‘Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.
‘We’re focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals.’
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said the updates would make it ‘easier for the public to understand and navigate’ available services.
She added: ‘Reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more resilient profession.’
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