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Millions of pet owners will be able to avoid unexpected costs when vet practices are forced to publish price lists for common treatments. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering the move as part of an eight-week consultation on the "biggest reforms" to the sector in over 60 years.

The overhaul of veterinary practices comes after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that problems in the market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. Owners are often unaware of prices, or not given estimates for treatments that can run into thousands of pounds.

Average vet prices rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023 - well above the rate of inflation.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: "Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.

"We're focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals."

Every vet practice will now need an official operating licence - similar to GP surgeries and care homes.

Vet businesses must also now disclose who owns them so pet owners know if their local practice is part of a larger chain or independent.

Defra said that 60% of vet practices are owned by non-vets, with many operating under "unclear" ownership structures.

Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry group, said: "We welcome the government's consultation to update this vital regulation and protect pet owners. Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming to keep pace with commercial practice and further build pet owner trust in veterinary businesses."

Pet owners are increasingly having their sick animals put down or they are delaying taking them for treatment to avoid spiralling vet bills, it is understood.