Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة تحدد سقف رسوم وصفات الأطباء البيطريين وتعزز شفافية الأسعار

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a cap on written prescription fees from veterinarians, setting the maximum charge at £21. Additionally, veterinary practices will be required to publish comprehensive price lists for their services. These measures aim to increase transparency and competition within the veterinary sector, which is valued at over £6.7 billion, as approximately 60% of UK households own pets. According to BBC News, the reforms will begin to take effect later this year.

The CMA’s investigation revealed that veterinary prices have been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation. As part of the new regulations, pet owners will also be informed that they can request written prescriptions, potentially saving them significant amounts on long-term medications. The cap will apply to the first prescribed medicine and set a lower fee of £12.50 for any additional medications.

In an effort to further enhance pricing transparency, veterinary practices will be required to disclose whether they are part of a larger corporate group. This move comes in response to concerns regarding the clarity of practice ownership and the associated costs. Martin Coleman, chair of the independent Inquiry Group, emphasized that these reforms will help pet owners navigate the often opaque pricing structures in veterinary care.

To assist pet owners in making informed decisions, information regarding price and ownership will be made accessible through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ “Find a Vet” service, which will collaborate with third-party comparison websites. The CMA’s findings indicated that more than 70% of pet owners unknowingly overpay for medications that could be significantly cheaper if sourced online.

Consumer experiences highlight this issue, with one pet owner, Kelly Norton, expressing frustration over the vast price differences between UK and European veterinary services. After receiving a £1,600 quote for her dog’s surgery in the UK, she found a local vet in Italy offering the same procedure for only €160 (£138). Norton’s situation underscores the importance of the CMA’s reforms in addressing the financial burdens faced by pet owners in the UK.