New vet rule comes into force TODAY as huge raft of changes confirmed – and can save pet owners £200 a year

A NEW vet rule could save pet owners hundreds of pounds – as changes are set to come into force today. Vet practices will now have 12 months to make all the required revisions to their prices. The price of written prescriptions should be capped under the new rules Credit: Getty The price of vet prescriptions is set to be capped under new rules, potentially saving pet owners hundreds of pounds. Brought in by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) from today (September 22), this means written prescription fees will cost no more than £21, with any additional medicines priced at £12.50. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Pet owners now also need to be told if cheaper medicines are available online. This comes after the agency found that more than 70 per cent of pet owners bought long-term medication from their vet practice even though they could save £200 a year or more if bought online. The changes also rule that any treatment over £500 will need a written estimate prior to taking place, and practices will need to provide an itemised bill – unless it is an emergency. Vet practices will also have to publish detailed price lists for services, and owners can compare pricing on a “Find a Vet” service. The changes come following an investigation by the CMA which found that prices were rising unsustainably – at nearly double the rate of inflation. The measures would also help pet owners to better navigate the vet services market, it added. Most read in The Sun All vet practices have until September 2027 to bring in the changes, which includes making clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business. CMA panel chair Martin Coleman said: “Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds. “Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.” Nearly 60 per cent of UK households own a pet, with the cost of routine check-ups and medicines averaging between £200 to £400 per year. Comment now