Government unveils biggest reforms to vet sector

The government has unveiled the ‘most significant’ overhaul of veterinary regulation in six decades.

Measures in a new government White Paper, which sets out its vision for a thriving and fairer veterinary sector, will ‘radically modernise’ the industry, delivering better protections for households and greater transparency around prices.

Vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about options and changes, allowing people to choose the best treatment for their animals. This will be supported by an enhanced ‘Find a Vet’ service and a £21 cap on written prescription fees.

A new independent veterinary ombudsman is also being considered to give a clear and straightforward route to redress when complaints cannot be resolved directly with a practice. With the power to make binding decisions, the ombudsman will ensure disputes are resolved more quickly and fairly, increasing confidence across the sector.

The White Paper includes new proposals for veterinary businesses to be subject to statutory regulation, including a mandatory licencing system, inspections and published compliance reports to improve accountability and choice. Greater transparency around prices and practice ownership will be mandated for the first time, so people can make genuinely informed decisions about care.

Secretary of State for Defra, 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.”

The White Paper responds to the findings of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which highlighted concerns around transparency and competition in the veterinary sector.  Recommendations from the CMA will address competition concerns, ahead of the new legislation coming into force.

These changes are vital with the profession today radically different to the 1960s when the Veterinary Surgeons Act was introduced.  The industry was then largely made up of agricultural vet practices and small family run businesses. The sector is now dominated by small animal care and a handful of large corporates meaning the legislation has not kept pace with the modern world.

The reforms will support veterinary professionals and businesses, ensuring the regulatory framework keeps pace with a modern, growing sector.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, 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.”

In response, Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Rights Policy, said: “The current legislation regulating the veterinary market is seriously outdated and pet owners are being badly let down by it. It’s positive that the government is taking forward the CMA’s recommendations to fix the sector.

“Which? research has shown that the inadequacies of complaints and dispute resolution processes are a particular problem and they leave people fighting for years to get their voice heard. This is why an independent veterinary ombudsman is sorely needed.”

British Veterinary Association President, Dr Rob Williams, said: “Current veterinary legislation is shockingly outdated and frankly is no longer fit for purpose. The publication of today’s White Paper is a positive, landmark moment for vet professionals, as well as for animals and their owners, taking us all one step closer to improved legislation that meets the demands of modern veterinary medicine.”

RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer, Charlotte Beckett, added: “We’re really pleased this White Paper backs major reforms we’ve been calling for – including protecting the veterinary nurse title, and regulating animal behaviourists, to safeguard animal welfare and ensure the highest standards of care to give pet owners confidence.

“Another welcome recommendation is to introduce mandatory licensing for vet practices – not just the individual vets themselves – meaning that clinics offering procedures such as  so-called ‘canine fertility clinics’ will also need to be licensed, bringing more regulation to a growing welfare concern.”

The White Paper is being introduced following extensive public consultation. The consultation received thousands of responses from the public and veterinary sector which were carefully considered to shape the new White Paper.