Thu, 01 May 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 Vets may face caps on cremations and other charges

The regulator is considering a range of measures to limit vets bills including price caps.

* The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering price caps on medicines, prescriptions, and services like cremations for British vets.
* Vets' prices grew 60% between 2015-2023, compared to 35% inflation in general services.
* CMA research found businesses marking up medicine prices by up to four times the purchase cost.
* Potential remedies include: + Price transparency online + Capping mark-ups on pet cremations + Compulsory comparison website for clinics to inform owners of cheaper options + Ban on bonuses linked to specific treatments + Ban on policies curbing vets' "clinical freedom"
* The sector is dominated by six large corporate groups, which may reduce consumer choice and create an "illusion of competition".
* A provisional report is expected in summer with a final decision by November.
* The UK's veterinary sector is worth £2-£5.7 billion per year.
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