Pet owners and vet professionals across Portsmouth will benefit from the first veterinary sector overhaul in sixty years.
Major reforms will help households understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets.
These reforms come after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. The Government is taking action following the CMA finding that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation.
The proposals will make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners, while supporting veterinary professionals alike.
Portsmouth’s pet owners are set to benefit from:
- Clearer prices easing the ability to look around
- More competition to lower costs over time
- Greater confidence in care
- Fairer treatment complaints process
- Better access to quality care
Portsmouth’s veterinary professionals are set to benefit from:
- Legal recognition for veterinary nurses
- • Regulatory oversight of veterinary businesses
- Modernised processes for registration and “fitness to practice”
- A modern governance model for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“As a dog owner myself, I share this city’s strong love of animals and welcome this major overhaul to the veterinary sector.
“The reforms announced by Government will equip pet owners with knowledge and confidence to promptly deal with health and welfare concerns their pets may have.
“All forms of animals will be protected by planned reforms, ending cruel practices and ensuring high standards of care for pets, farm animals and wildlife.”
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:
“Updating these rules will help build a modern veterinary service that is easier for the public to understand and navigate, while strengthening animal health outcomes and supporting a skilled, resilient workforce.
“Reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more resilient profession. This consultation gives pet owners and professionals the chance to help shape a system that works better for everyone.”
