CMA Provisional Decision on the Vet Market – What You Need to Know – 15th of October 2025.

Background

Since September 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating how the UK veterinary services market operates.
They’ve now published their provisional decision, which includes a consultation open until 12 November 2025.

You don’t need to make any changes yet, but it’s important to understand what’s being proposed.

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What the CMA Found

The CMA believes there are competition problems in the vet market, mainly due to:

• Pet owners not being given clear, timely information – e.g. prices, treatment options, and who owns the practice.

• Barriers that stop pet owners from making informed choices.

• An outdated regulatory framework that doesn’t suit today’s market.

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What the CMA Is Proposing

To fix these issues, the CMA is considering a series of legal remedies (rules) that could become mandatory through a CMA Order.
If introduced, vet businesses would be responsible for following these rules.

Key Proposed Changes

Vet businesses may need to:

• Publish price lists for common services online and in-practice.

• Provide itemised bills for all treatments and services.

• Give written estimates for treatments expected to cost over £500.

• Tell clients they can request a written prescription and buy medicines elsewhere.

• Cap prescription fees.

• Share pricing info with the RCVS for inclusion on their Find a Vet page.

• Be transparent about ownership if part of a group.

• Have a clear complaints process that meets specific standards.

• Confirm annually to the RCVS that these requirements are being met (for larger groups).

Smaller businesses (fewer than 15 practices) would get longer to comply, and single-site practices wouldn’t need to confirm compliance annually.

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For Employees

If you’re a vet or vet nurse, your practice may need to update its policies and training to ensure you can:

• Give independent, impartial advice, and

• Provide clear information on treatment options and prices.

If a practice pressures staff to act against these standards, it could be in breach of the Order.

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Expected Benefits

• Greater transparency: Pet owners can compare prices, ownership, and services more easily.

• Improved trust: Clearer information should boost confidence in the profession.

• Better complaint handling: Structured processes can strengthen client relationships.

• More flexibility: Easier termination of out-of-hours contracts with third-party providers.

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Next Steps

• Consultation open until 12 November 2025 – vets, nurses, and practice owners are encouraged to share feedback.

• The final decision is expected by May 2026 (likely February–March).

• If new rules are confirmed, the CMA will consult again before they come into force, and practices will then have time to comply.

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