Common questions
Quick answers for pet owners
Use these responses to navigate conversations with your vet and to keep friends or colleagues informed about what the CMA is proposing.
- When will the final CMA rules take effect?
- The CMA aims to publish its final order by March 2026. Implementation will then roll out in stages through late 2026 so practices can update systems and customer communications.
- Can vets still charge for prescriptions?
- Yes. The provisional order retains the right to a written prescription but proposes a cap on the fee and clearer request journeys so clients can compare medicine prices.
- What should I ask my vet today?
- Request a written estimate before treatment, ask who owns the practice, and check how to obtain a prescription if you need one. These are the conversations the CMA wants to standardise.
- Does this investigation apply to farm and equine vets?
- The current remedies focus on small-animal services. The CMA says it will continue to monitor other segments if similar transparency concerns arise.