New legally-binding measures have been introduced for UK vets following an enquiry by The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).The changes, which have been made with the intention of providing greater transparency around the costs of vet care and practice ownership include caps on the costs of prescriptions, price lists, a price comparison website and mandatory branding by large groups.They follow a two-year investigation and will come into force from December this year.Currently, more than 70% of owners purchase long-term medication from their vet practice, even though many could save money if they bought online. Going forwards, owners must be told they can have a written prescription, and these fees will be capped at 21 for the first medicine and 12.50 for any additional medicines.Practices will also have to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options.In addition, vet businesses will have to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business and common ownership will be displayed on signage, at the premises and online.Price and ownership information will also be available to pet owners through Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Find a Vet service which will share the data with third-party comparison sites.This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and todays reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs, said Martin Coleman, Chair of the independent Inquiry Group.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.Our changes put pet owners at the centre but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgement from undue commercial pressure and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care.A testing timeTheBritish Veterinary Association (BVA) has largely welcomed the measures, as President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS explained.I know its been a long and testing couple of years for the profession, he said. Im pleased to see that with this final decision, the CMA has listened to BVAs concerns and were able to welcome the majority of these measures, which are largely focused on increasing transparency and information, supporting clients to make more informed choices. As vets, we care deeply for animals and anything we can do to build trust between us and their owners, like supporting consumer choice, is a good thing. This isnt quite the end and as we get down into the detail of the CMAs final measures, BVA will support our members to help them understand what they need to do to comply, We will also continue to engage with the CMA to ensure that they get the details right and there arent any unintended consequences.Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet within Operations, Partnerships and Prevention at the RSPCA, welcomed the new levels of transparency.We know costs are a real concern for pet owners and our Animal Kindness Index found more than half are worried about how to afford vet bills, she said.Thats why clearer pricing is such an important step forward bringing greater transparency to the sector, and helping current and future pet owners understand the potential financial implications of responsible pet ownership.Wed urge any pet owner struggling to seek advice as soon as possible. Theres some practical information on our website.These changes can equip pet owners with knowledge and confidence to deal with health and welfare concerns their pets may have promptly protecting animals and ensuring many welfare issues do not escalate.The full CMA review can be read here.Credit: ShutterstockRelated contentThese are the 7 most common horse-related insurance claims *Sponsored*Colic surgery costs exceed insurance payouts, find vetsHow much does it cost to own a horse? *Promotion*5 things your horses vet really wishes you wouldnt doThe post Clearer pricing is an important step forward: Two-year enquiry concludes with new rules for vets appeared first on Your Horse.