Defra launches consultation on veterinary reform

On 28 January 2026, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched an eight-week public consultation on proposed reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The consultation aims to modernise the regulatory framework for the veterinary sector and improve transparency in the market for pet owners.

While the consultation focuses mainly on legislative reform, Defra has also taken account of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recent findings on pricing and transparency in the sector. As a result, the proposed benefits to pet owners are anticipated to include:

• Clearer pricing
• Greater competition resulting in lower costs
• Greater confidence in care
• Fairer treatment during the complaints process
• Better access to quality care.

For more in-depth information on the CMA’s review of the sector and the commercial implications for veterinary businesses, please see our previous article: CMA veterinary proposals: practical steps for UK vets.

Defra’s proposed reforms to the Act are expected to bring many benefits to veterinary professionals, including:

• Protection of title for veterinary nurses
• Regulatory oversight of veterinary businesses
• The introduction of a modern fitness to practise regime
• A modernised governance regime for the Royal College of Surgeons
• Regulation of others working in animal healthcare.

Members of the public and veterinary professionals are encouraged to take part in the consultation, which closes on 26 March 2026. Alongside the CMA’s review, this consultation is expected to deliver much-needed modernisation for a sector still governed by legislation introduced more than 50 years ago.