Petition on veterinary prescription charges

THE SHORT era of free veterinary prescriptions in the UK is due to come to an end this summer.
For the last three years vets have not been allowed to charge pet owners for writing out prescriptions for their pet’s medication.

In October 2005 following a four-year investigation by the Competition Commission, (CC) the Government prised open the market for supplying prescription medicines to animals.

The move allowed pharmacies to break into the market. Pet owners were now able to take a prescription written by their vet and have the medicines supplied by their chemist.

The government made it illegal for vets to make any charge whatsoever for issuing prescriptions to clients. This moratorium is about to come to an end and the Government has not indicated whether the ‘no charge’ status will remain in place.