Vet Price ComparisonBeta

Day-to-day guidance for pet owners on the CMA's veterinary market remedies.

CMA provisional guidance

What the CMA expects veterinary practices to do

The Competition and Markets Authority launched a full investigation into UK veterinary services in March 2024 and has trailed provisional remedies that are due to be published in late 2025. These measures will remain under consultation until the final order is agreed. Use this page to understand the proposed obligations and what they mean for practices and pet owners.

Summary of proposals

  • Publish standard price lists for routine procedures and make them available through comparison tools.
  • Give every client easy access to practice ownership information and group branding.
  • Retain the right to a written prescription, with a proposed cap on any fee charged.
  • Provide written estimates and itemised invoices that highlight optional services and medicine mark-ups.

What practices should prepare

Practices will need to align reception scripts, booking journeys, and printed materials with the new disclosure rules. Data feeds to the national price comparison service will become routine, and staff will have to give consistent information on ownership, emergency cover, and prescription requests.

Timeline

  • December 2025 (planned)

    CMA timetable indicates consultation responses are due by December 2025.

  • March 2026 (planned)

    CMA aims to publish the final order in March 2026, subject to consultation outcomes.

  • Late 2026 (planned)

    Implementation phases are expected to follow once the final order is confirmed.