Vets told to publish price lists under major reforms

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story."

"The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference. Vets will have to publish price lists for common treatments and disclose if they are independent or part of a chain under plans for a major overhaul of the industry."

"Under government proposals aimed at helping pet owners understand what they are paying for and avoid unexpected costs, vets must be transparent about treatment options and pricing to increase competition between practices. Every vet practice will need an official operating licence similar to GP surgeries and care homes and to provide straightforward routes for customers to raise concerns. The proposals follow the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finding that fees have risen at almost twice the rate of inflation, with pet owners not being given enough information about their vet and the prices of treatments. The proposals would make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners while also supporting veterinary professionals, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said. Animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman said: Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fai"

The Independent covers reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech and sends reporters to developing stories across the United States. The outlet investigates financial links such as Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and produces documentaries like 'The A Word', highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights. The organisation relies on donations to fund reporting, maintains no paywalls, and aims to provide quality journalism paid for by those who can afford it. Government proposals require veterinary practices to publish price lists, disclose chain ownership, obtain operating licences and offer clear complaint routes to increase transparency and competition and address rising fees highlighted by the CMA.

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