The UK government has published a white paper proposing sweeping reforms to the veterinary industry, including capping the cost of pet prescriptions at £21 and establishing an independent regulator with powers to inspect practices and publish compliance reports. The plans would also require every vet practice to hold an official operating licence — similar to requirements placed on GP surgeries and care homes — and mandate transparent pricing and ownership disclosures. The move comes after the Competition and Markets Authority found that more than 60% of UK veterinary practices are owned by just six large groups, most backed by private equity, leading to weak competition and high costs for the roughly £6.7 billion pet owners spent on veterinary services in 2024.