CMA Investigation into Veterinary Services for Household Pets: What It Means for UK Pet Owners

At a Glance: Key Facts

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Why Is the CMA Investigating Veterinary Services?

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s independent regulator responsible for promoting fair competition and protecting consumers. It began investigating veterinary services for household pets after thousands of pet owners complained about rising costs, unclear pricing, and limited options for affordable care.

What triggered the investigation?

The CMA’s initial review in 2023 gathered more than 56,000 responses from pet owners, veterinary professionals, and consumer bodies. Many said they struggled to compare vet fees or understand what they were being charged for. Others felt trapped by the dominance of large corporate veterinary groups, unable to find independent alternatives in their local area.

These concerns prompted the CMA to escalate matters into a formal Market Investigation Reference (MIR) in May 2024 — a process that gives the regulator legal power to demand information, analyse competition issues, and impose remedies if it finds evidence of harm to consumers.

What exactly is the CMA investigating?

The CMA is looking at whether UK pet owners are paying fair prices for veterinary services and medicines, and whether a lack of transparency or competition is causing people to overpay. Specifically, it is examining:

Essentially, the question is whether the current market structure gives pet owners a fair deal or allows certain businesses to profit unfairly due to lack of competition.

What Has the CMA Found So Far?

Provisional Findings – October 2025

On 15 October 2025, the CMA published its provisional findings and working papers. Its analysis shows several ongoing problems in how veterinary services operate in the UK.

Price Inflation and Transparency Issues

According to the CMA, average vet prices have risen by around 63 per cent since 2016 — much faster than overall inflation. This includes routine consultations, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and emergency appointments.

Pet owners often cannot find prices listed online before booking. Some discover the true cost only after treatment has begun.

Why are vet bills so high?

The CMA believes limited competition and poor transparency are key drivers. In many areas, pet owners have only one or two options, both owned by the same parent company. Without visible price comparison, practices have little incentive to compete on cost.

Corporate Ownership and Competition

Corporate groups now own a large proportion of UK veterinary clinics. In some towns, every “different” practice actually belongs to the same company, which can mislead consumers into thinking they have more choice than they really do.

This consolidation reduces competition and may explain why independent vets are sometimes 15–20% cheaper for similar services. The CMA is assessing whether to require clearer disclosure of practice ownership.

Prescription and Medicine Mark-ups

A major source of frustration among pet owners involves medicine prices. The CMA’s findings reveal that identical prescription medicines can cost up to twice as much when bought directly from a vet rather than online.

Can I ask my vet for a written prescription?

Yes — and you should. UK law gives pet owners the right to request a written prescription so they can purchase medicines from another supplier, such as a licensed online pharmacy. Vets may charge a small administrative fee for issuing the prescription, but the CMA is now considering whether that fee should be capped.

Will this investigation lower vet bills?

If remedies such as fee caps and mandatory price transparency are implemented, many pet owners could see reduced costs for medicines and routine care. However, changes will depend on how effectively the new rules are enforced and how the market responds.

Consumer Experience and Information Gaps

The CMA found that many pet owners do not know:

This lack of information leaves consumers vulnerable to overpaying or accepting unnecessary add-ons.

What Remedies Is the CMA Proposing?

The Remedies Working Paper published in October 2025 sets out a range of potential solutions designed to make the market more transparent and competitive.

Mandatory Price Transparency

All veterinary practices may be required to publish standardised price lists for common treatments both in-practice and online. This would allow pet owners to compare fees and avoid unexpected bills.

Centralised Price Comparison Tool

The CMA is considering a government-endorsed price comparison platform, enabling consumers to search for local practices and view indicative costs for services such as check-ups, vaccinations, and microchipping.

How can I compare vet prices now?

Until such a tool exists, pet owners should ask for itemised quotes and estimates before authorising treatment. Some independent practices already provide price ranges on their websites, but many do not.

Prescription Fee Cap

The CMA proposes a cap on prescription and dispensing fees (suggested at around £16) to prevent excessive administrative charges for issuing written prescriptions. This change could save pet owners money, especially those managing long-term conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease in pets.

What happens if my vet refuses to publish a price list?

Under the proposed remedies, failing to provide clear pricing information could become a regulatory breach. Practices may face penalties if they do not comply once new rules take effect.

Regulating Veterinary Businesses

Currently, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) regulates individuals rather than companies. The CMA suggests extending regulation to cover veterinary businesses themselves, ensuring corporate owners are also accountable for pricing practices and transparency.

Ownership Disclosure and Incentives

All practices might have to display ownership information clearly on their websites, signage, and invoices. This helps pet owners understand whether a clinic is part of a large chain or an independent practice. The CMA also wants to limit financial incentives that could encourage unnecessary treatments.

Better Complaints and Redress Systems

The CMA believes pet owners should have simpler routes to complain or seek redress if they have been misled or overcharged. This could include a standardised complaint form and clearer consumer-rights guidance.

How Could These Changes Affect Pet Owners?

Greater Price Clarity and Choice

When practices are required to publish prices, pet owners will be able to compare fees across clinics before booking. Transparency empowers consumers to make more informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

Lower Prescription Costs

Capping prescription fees should make it cheaper to manage ongoing health needs, such as repeat medication for chronic conditions.

Improved Access and Accountability

Regulating veterinary businesses — not just individual vets — means large chains will also be answerable for pricing and conduct. This may level the playing field for independent clinics and create a fairer marketplace.

Will independent vets benefit from these changes?

Likely, yes. Independent practices often emphasise personal service and may already publish their fees. If transparency becomes mandatory, smaller clinics could gain visibility and attract cost-conscious pet owners.

Potential Challenges

Professional bodies such as the BVA and RCVS have cautioned that increased regulation could raise administrative costs or reduce service availability in rural areas. However, the CMA believes long-term benefits for consumers outweigh these risks.

Timeline: What Happens Next?

When will the CMA’s investigation conclude?

The CMA aims to publish its final decision in spring 2026. Some measures could begin soon after, though others may require legislative changes or phased rollouts.

Pet owners can follow updates and contribute feedback through the official CMA case page on GOV.UK.

Staying Informed and Advocating for Fair Veterinary Care

The CMA’s market investigation marks a major moment in the evolution of UK pet healthcare regulation. For the first time, issues of competition, pricing, and consumer rights are being examined with the same scrutiny as clinical quality.

Pet owners can take proactive steps now:

Transparency benefits everyone — from devoted pet owners to responsible vets who already operate fairly. By staying informed, you can help shape a more open, affordable, and trustworthy veterinary sector for the future.