The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced 11 legally binding reforms for the veterinary sector, including a cap on prescription fees at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for additional medicines. Practices must also publish comprehensive price lists by September 23, 2026, to help pet owners compare costs and save money.
Prescription Fee Cap and Price Transparency
The CMA's final reforms, following a sector investigation since 2023, require all veterinary practices to display prices for standard services such as consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions, and cremation options online and in clinics. Prescription fees—currently often exceeding £30 per item—are capped at £21 (first medicine) and £12.50 (additional medicines), higher than the initially proposed £16 after further evidence review.
Practices must inform pet owners that they can obtain written prescriptions to purchase medicines online, potentially saving over £200 annually. The CMA found that customers could pay double for commonly prescribed medicines compared to online retailers.
Written Estimates and Itemized Bills
For any non-emergency treatment expected to cost £500 or more, practices must provide a written estimate in advance, including aftercare costs, along with an itemized bill. This addresses findings that less than half of pet owners received pricing information before non-routine treatment, and only 29% received written details.
Ownership Transparency and Comparison Tools
Vet businesses must clearly indicate whether they are part of a large chain or independent, with ownership displayed on signage, premises, and online. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 'Find a Vet' service will share price and ownership data with third-party comparison sites, enabling pet owners to easily compare local practices.
Pet Care Plans and Cremation Costs
Pet care plans must itemize costs, total price, and savings calculations to prevent poor value. Cremation options require clear upfront pricing, including communal cremation as a lower-cost alternative, addressing findings that pet owners may pay around £100 more for individual cremations due to weak competition.
Switching Providers and Complaints
Out-of-hours providers are banned from imposing unreasonably long notice periods, allowing practices to switch for better service. A mandatory in-house complaints process and mediation for unresolved disputes will be implemented, replacing the current ineffective system.
Timeline and Industry Response
Larger providers must comply by December 2026, smaller ones by March 2027, with legally binding orders effective from September 23, 2026. Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA's independent inquiry group, stated: "This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today's reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners." Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds added: "This government is focused on helping families save money on vet services by improving transparency and choice."
CVS Group, operating about 500 UK practices, commented: "We are pleased to see the CMA has considered our feedback... We are comfortable with these remedies and believe they are workable."
