Vets urged to be more transparent with pet owners

Vets have been encouraged to be more transparent with pet owners over treatment costs, available options and practice ownership

Vets have been advised to be more transparent about treatment costs, alternative options and complaints processes.

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority has written an open letter to the island's vet practices encouraging them to consider the findings of a UK watchdog's investigation.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has identified a lack of transparency around cost and practice ownership, amongst other issues.

JCRA chief operating officer Sarah Price said being open and clear would "help ensure the relationship between vets and pet owners remains positive and built on trust".

Ms Price said: "Transparency around pricing and ownership helps consumers make informed choices and strengthens confidence in essential services like veterinary care."

The CMA suggested vet practices should:

• Publish price lists and provide itemised bills for treatments

• Offer written estimates for treatments over a certain threshold

• Maintain a clear and accessible complaints procedure

• Inform pet owners about alternative options such as online prescriptions

• Disclose ownership structures to avoid potential conflicts of interest