Defra has opened an eight-week UK-wide consultation on proposals to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, describing it as the first major overhaul of veterinary legislation in around 60 years. The consultation opened on 28 January 2026 and closes on 25 March 2026.
The proposals are wide-ranging and include changes that could directly affect day-to-day clinical practice, professional regulation, and the way veterinary businesses are overseen. Defra says the reforms are intended to modernise regulation and governance, and to make veterinary services easier for the public to understand and navigate.
Defra’s proposals include:
The announcement also signalled potential changes in areas closely watched by the Competition and Markets Authority’s ongoing investigation into veterinary services, including pricing transparency, ownership disclosure, and complaints handling.
This consultation is likely to shape the “rules of the road” for the profession for decades. Decisions made now could influence:
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.
“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work. It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.”
Defra advises the full consultation may take up to four hours, but respondents don’t need to complete every section. It is possible to skip chapters, save progress, and return later.
Responses can be submitted: