The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into the veterinary sector and set out its final reforms coming into force later in the year.
The legally binding measures aim to provide clearer information for pet owners but will mean increased regulation for veterinary businesses and practices.
Key changes
The final remedies and recommendations in the report include the following changes:
- Practices will need to publish a comprehensive price list for their standard services - including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options.
- Price and ownership information will be made available to pet owners through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) ‘Find a Vet’ service. RCVS will share this data with third-party comparison sites.
- Vet businesses will need to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business. Common ownership will need to be displayed on signage, both at the business’s premises and online.
- Except for emergencies, practices will have to provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment that is expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs). An itemised bill will also be required.
- Pet owners will need to be told that they can have a written prescription, which could save them money.
- Written prescription fees will be capped at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines.
- Practices will need written policies in place that ensure that vets are empowered to offer independent and impartial advice. This is to avoid the potential for being compromised by commercial pressure.
- Pet care plans will need to clearly set out the price of each component, the total cost and how any advertised savings are calculated.
- Clear, upfront prices will need to be provided for all cremation options, including any add-ons. A lower-cost option for a communal cremation will also need to be offered.
- Out-of-hours providers will be banned from imposing unreasonably long notice periods. This will make it easier for practices to end a contract if there’s a better service elsewhere.
- Practices will need to have a transparent, accessible in-house complaints process and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.
Reforms to regulations and legislation
The CMA has backed the government’s proposed reforms to the Veterinary Services Act, which will make veterinary businesses, and not just individuals, accountable to an independent regulator.
The RCVS will take a central role in monitoring compliance with its work funded by a levy on veterinary businesses. The levy will be charged based on the size of the business. The CMA estimates that the levy will be in the region of £150 to £250 per practice for the initial costs and £450 to £550 per practice on an annual basis for ongoing costs.
Next steps
The CMA now have until 23 September 2026 to put in place the legally binding Orders that will bring their remedies and recommendations into effect. Depending on the measure, businesses will need to implement these in the following three to 12 months.
The CMA have confirmed that smaller veterinary businesses will be given an additional three months to implement many of the changes than larger businesses.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-concludes-market-investigation-with-major-reforms-to-veterinary-sector