The CMA has today released their final ruling, the result of a lengthy investigation into the veterinary sector.
UK veterinary practices will need to prepare for significant changes to pricing transparency, client communication and regulatory oversight, following the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) final decision in its long-running market investigation.
Published on 24 March 2026, the CMA’s findings mark the culmination of a process that began with a call for information in September 2023 and formally progressed to a market investigation in May 2024, prompted by concerns around rising costs and limited consumer choice.
What the CMA found
The CMA concluded that competition in the UK’s veterinary services market is not working as effectively as it should. It identified a lack of clear pricing, limited visibility of corporate ownership, and barriers preventing pet owners from shopping around or accessing medicines at lower cost.
The investigation drew on extensive consultation, including tens of thousands of responses from pet owners and input from across the veterinary sector.
Key reforms for practices
The final package introduces a series of legally binding measures aimed at improving transparency and consumer engagement. These include:
- Mandatory publication of price lists for common services (in place by December for large practices, and March 2027 for smaller ones)
- Clear disclosure of practice ownership (including links to corporate groups)
- Written cost estimates for treatments above £500 - in place by June 27 (large practices) and Sept 27 (small practices)
- A cap on prescription fees (£21 for the first item and £12.50 for additional items) - in place by March 27 for large groups, and Sept 27 for smaller practices
- Requirements to inform clients that medicines may be available more cheaply elsewhere
- Development of a price comparison tool, linked to existing “Find a Vet” services
- Easier get-out-clauses on OOH contracts (in place by Sept 2026)
In addition, the RCVS will be given new tasks, including monitoring compliance and providing price and ownership information through the 'Find a Vet' service. This will be funded through a levy on practices, with the CMA’s current estimate suggesting this would be no more than £150-£250 per practice to cover the RCVS’s initial set up costs and £450-£550 annually to cover the RCVS’s ongoing costs.
The bottom line
The CMA’s final decision represents one of the most significant shifts in the UK veterinary sector in recent years. Greater transparency and clearer communication with clients will be central to compliance, and may reshape how practices engage with pet owners on cost and care decisions.
In practical terms, veterinary businesses will need to review their current processes and systems to ensure compliance. This includes updating websites and in-practice materials, training front-of-house and clinical teams on new communication requirements, and ensuring the ability to provide and document written estimates where required. The CMA has indicated it will actively monitor compliance and has enforcement powers where businesses do not meet the new obligations.
More information here: CMA concludes market investigation with major reforms to veterinary sector - GOV.UK
