The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has responded to a BBC investigation into the rise of corporate ownership of vet practices and its impact on vet fees and income generation.
The programme on BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 Investigates spoke to several vets from corporate and independent practices about the rise in vet fees in recent years; concerns around transparency of costs and practice ownership; as well the advances in medical treatments now available to pet owners.
The investigation also explored the ongoing investigation into vet services for household pets currently being undertaken by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
BVA president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “The veterinary landscape has undergone considerable changes in recent years, however, what remains steadfast is the professionalism, dedication and highly skilled care vet teams deliver for their clients and their animals on a daily basis.
Whilst some of the issues raised in File on 4 Investigates are concerning, many of the challenges it outlines particularly around transparency and consumer choice are well understood and practices are already taking steps to address these head on.
“The Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into vet services for household pets has also recognised what we’ve long been calling for, that the legislation around vets and vet practices needs urgent reform. Vet practices are not regulated, and vets are held accountable for business decisions that are often out of their control, this clearly needs to change.”
