New vet laws for cat and dog owners because 'rules woefully out of date'

Cat and dog owners could have vet fees capped as a basic procedure now costs £89. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the probe will look at issues such as whether dog and cat owners are being given the information they need so they can make informed decisions.

The British Vet Association said regulation of the sector was "woefully out of date" as it welcomed the review. “The message from our vets work so far has been loud and clear – many pet owners and professionals have concerns that need further investigation," said Sarah Cardell, the CMA's chief executive.

“We’ve heard from people who are struggling to pay vet bills, potentially overpaying for medicines and don’t always know the best treatment options available to them," she said. "We also remain concerned about the potential impact of sector consolidation and the incentives for large, integrated vet groups to act in ways which reduce consumer choice."

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The watchdog said the inquiry would look at whether consumers were getting the right information to make informed decisions and if a limited choice of vets in some areas was affecting pet owners and the level of profits earned by vet businesses.

Other things it will scrutinise is whether vet businesses have the incentive and ability to limit consumer choice when providing treatments or services and whether the regulation of the market needs changing. Costs range from £89 for neutering a male cat, to £369 for an x-ray, right up to £1,599 for an operation for a knee repair, according to the Animal Trust.

Malcolm Morley, the British Vet Association's senior vice president, told the BBC's Today programme that the trade body was "very keen" on the inquiry and it had been working closely with CMA in recent months. "Some of the points the CMA raises are things that we’ve been raising for a long time," he said.

"The regulation of vets and veterinary practices is woefully out of date, not fit for purpose."