The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has introduced reforms to veterinary pricing. Written prescription fees will cap at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for additional ones. Practices must publish comprehensive price lists for consultations, common procedures and cremation options.

These changes follow a UK-wide investigation that identified veterinary prices rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation. Pet owners must receive information about written prescriptions as an option to potentially reduce costs. A price comparison website will launch via the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Find a Vet service.

James Buick, co-owner of ACE Vets with practices in east Belfast and north Down, called the measures common sense. He stated that upfront transparency benefits both practices and clients by avoiding unexpected bills after treatments.

Buick noted that providing detailed estimates before operations helps manage client expectations. He pointed out challenges in listing prices online due to treatment variations but said pre-treatment estimates address this.

Felicity Houston, owner of two dogs in Northern Ireland, highlighted recent experiences with high emergency vet costs. She described prices as excessively high, especially during public holidays when shopping around is not feasible.

Under the rules, practices must disclose if they belong to a larger group. Written estimates are required for treatments projected to exceed £500, including aftercare, except in emergencies. Itemised bills will also be mandatory.

The reforms begin implementation later this year.