UK — The UK government published a white paper on Thursday proposing a cap on pet prescription prices at £21, mandatory licensing for veterinary practices, and the creation of a new regulator for the sector.

The proposals include mandatory price lists and transparency regarding the ownership structure of veterinary practices. The new regulator would conduct inspections and publish compliance reports.

Emma Reynolds, the Environment Secretary, 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 60 years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession."

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found low public satisfaction with the cost of veterinary services and determined there was not strong competition among veterinary businesses. More than 60% of veterinary practices in the UK are owned in whole or in part by six groups: CV, Pets at Home, Medivet, IVC, VetPartners, and Linnaeus. Five of these groups are owned by private equity investors. Linnaeus's parent company is Mars Petcare, a subsidiary of the US confectionery group Mars.

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."

Pet owners in the UK spent more than £6.7 billion on veterinary and other services in 2024, equating to £390 per pet-owning household. The cost for surgery for cruciate ligament disease in dogs can be £5,000 or more. Great Western Exotics, the only training centre in the UK for avian medicine, shut down this year after being acquired by a large conglomerate.