Probe into cost of pet medicines

Watchdog issues warning

- Anna Wise

VET groups could be forced to cap fees or sell off parts of their businesses after a watchdog warned pet owners risk being ripped off.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it is launching a formal probe after an initial review raised "multiple concerns".

It found that about 80% of the vet practices it checked did not display prices on their websites, even for the most basic services.

Some take a quarter of their income selling medicines and many were not making clear to pet owners they can shop around, meaning they miss out on savings. About 25% of owners did not know they could go elsewhere for prescriptions.

The CMA is also worried about a lack of competition in some areas and incentives for large corporate groups to act in ways which cut choice for consumers.