BBC expert on new vet rules and says owners ‘really concerned’ about pets

BBC expert on new vet rules and says owners ‘really concerned’ about pets Big changes are now in force - with some phased in over the next 12 months which might make a difference for dog and cat fans A massive change for anyone with pets including dogs and cats is now in force. Appearing on BBC Morning Live expert Coletta Smith said people were getting in touch concerned about massively rising costs. Under the changes the initial cost of written prescriptions from vets will be capped at £21.40 as part of a raft of changes that practices will be legally required to bring in over the coming months. Vets must also tell clients if cheaper medicine is available online, write price estimates ahead of treatment, and publish price lists for services as part of the rule updates. The official competition watchdog has brought the measures into force after its investigation into the sector found prices had been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation. Ms Smith said BBC Morning Live viewers had been getting in touch with horror stories about their own bills. Viewer Anna emailed in to say she takes her dog to France now for dental treatment. Anna was quoted £1,700 for treatment here but added: ”A vet in Brittany charged us £300 and performed a fantastic service.” Ms Smith said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) changes had come into force, but it will take 12 months for them all to go live. What are the changes Ms Smith said people going to the vets within the next couple of weeks, should see some changes beginning already, and by this time next year, all vets have to comply with everything. Prescription fees: “The big one is a change to prescription fees. So, a prescription fee from your vet are now is now capped at £21. So, they can’t charge you more than that just for writing a prescription.” Price lists. Vets are going to have to publish a full comprehensive list of their prices for standard services. Ms Smith explained: “So, something like a a de-fleaing service. If you’re taking your cat or your dog, it’s a pretty standard procedure to take place. You will then be able to compare this because you’ll be able to see it in advance. They have to publish it. That’s one of the other changes it’s going to be that you they have to display those different prices both on their website and within the practice itself as well. “They also should give you a written estimate. Now that needs to be provided in advance of any treatment that takes place, anything that’s going to cost more than £500. And they need to provide an itemized breakdown as well. Not just give you the total, but tell you exactly what they’re charging for each bit. So it might be that the surgery costs this much and then care afterwards cost this much and the medication costs this much. Is it a big chain: Vets now need to make it clear if they’re an independent practice or if they’re part of a bigger group. Ms Smith said: “Lots of people assume that their vet is an independent practice. It might be an individual name. They may have originally been an independent practice but then been bought by a bigger company. It’s really hard to find out.” Vet Dr James Greenwood said: “My advice would be to talk openly with your vet about costs before any treatment begins. You know, we know the vets bills can be frightening, particularly when you’re already worried. You know, pets are a huge part of our family and being hit with the emotional and financial pressure of your pet falling sick or ill, you know, it can be really distressing. So, ask questions and ask about your options.”