CMA Vet Investigation 2026: What Changed and What Didn't

The Competition and Markets Authority launched a full investigation into vet practices in September 2023. October 2025 rolled around with provisional findings, and... it's complicated.

why the cma was even looking

Vet prices have risen 63% since 2016. Meanwhile, actual input costs haven't moved at anywhere near that rate. About 60% of UK vet practices are now corporate-owned. When a few companies own most of the market, competition breaks down.

what the cma found

Prices vary wildly, transparency is rubbish, and corporate practices charge more for emergencies than independents (average £153 vs. £98). The CMA also found that vets don't advertise prices much. Consumers have no idea what they're paying until the bill arrives. That's market failure.

the 21 proposed reforms

• Price transparency: Vets must publish prices for routine procedures, emergency consultations, and standard tests.
• Clearer information on extras: Costs must be communicated upfront, not sneaked in later.
• Competition rules on consolidation: Restricting further takeovers in concentrated markets.
• Professional standards on emergencies: Corporate practices flagged for unreasonable emergency premiums.
• Consumer dispute resolution: Easier to complain and get refunds if overcharged.

what actually happened

The reforms are recommendations, not laws. They've got to go through Parliament, get implemented, and be enforced. Some will happen. Some will get watered down. Some will be blocked by corporate lobbying.

As of March 2026, you're not seeing the transparency you should. Some progressive practices have started publishing prices, but most haven't.

why this matters to your wallet right now

Even without new laws, the CMA's findings are public. That puts pressure on practices. If you see a price you think is mental, you can reference the CMA report. You can ask why a chain charges £153 for an emergency when independents average £98.

This is why Vet Fair exists. We've crowdsourced pricing from 1,300+ practices with 4,800+ recorded prices. We're doing what the CMA recommended — bringing transparency to the market.

timeline for actual change

2026 will see more recommendations converted to guidance. 2027-2028 is when actual law change might happen. In the meantime: get quotes, check Vet Fair for local pricing, and don't accept the first quote.