CMA Vet Market Investigation
What the Competition and Markets Authority decided, and what it means for you and your pet.
Investigation Timeline
Investigation launched. The Competition and Markets Authority announced a full investigation into the UK veterinary market, citing concerns about competition, pricing, and transparency.
Evidence gathering and consultation. The CMA collected data, interviewed vets, reviewed practices, and heard from pet owners about pricing concerns.
Final decision published. The CMA released its final report with recommendations for market reforms, setting the stage for wider transparency and competition.
Key Findings
Lack of Price Transparency
The CMA found that most UK vet practices do not publish prices publicly. Pet owners have no easy way to compare costs before booking treatment, leading to surprise bills and reduced competition.
Limited Market Information
Without price information, pet owners cannot easily switch between practices even if they find cheaper alternatives. This reduces pressure on vets to offer competitive pricing.
Prescription Monopoly Concerns
High prescription dispensing fees at vets mean pet owners have no choice but to pay vets for medications that could be cheaper elsewhere.
Ownership Transparency Issues
Some large corporate groups own multiple practices under different brands, but don't always disclose this. Pet owners may not realise they're choosing between branches of the same company.
CMA Recommendations & Reforms
1. Mandatory Price Lists
What the CMA recommended: All vet practices should publish price lists for common procedures, either in-practice or online.
Current status: The government is developing regulations to make this mandatory. Practices will be required to display or publicise charges for routine treatments.
What it means for you: You'll be able to see what a vet charges before you book, helping you budget and compare practices.
2. £21 Prescription Cap
What the CMA recommended: A maximum fee of £21 when a vet dispenses a prescription for non-controlled medications.
Current status: Under consultation with the government and veterinary profession. Implementation expected in 2026–2027.
What it means for you: You'll save money on pet medications dispensed by vets, with clearer limits on what practices can charge.
3. Ownership Transparency
What the CMA recommended: Vet practices should disclose their ownership, especially if owned by large corporate groups.
Current status: Guidance being developed. Practices may need to declare ownership when marketing services.
What it means for you: You'll know whether you're choosing between independent practices or corporate chains, helping you make informed decisions.
4. Online Pharmacy Access
What the CMA recommended: Vets should issue prescriptions that allow pet owners to buy medications from online pharmacies, not just the vet.
Current status: Already possible in many cases, but the CMA is pushing for clearer rules and encouragement.
What it means for you: You'll have more flexibility to shop around for pet medications after a vet visit.
What Vet Fair Is Doing
Vet Fair was built to solve the exact problem the CMA identified: the lack of publicly available vet pricing data. We're already doing what the CMA recommended:
✓ Publishing Price Lists
We've collected 4,800+ verified prices from 1,300+ UK practices. We're building the transparent pricing data the market needs.
✓ Supporting Online Pharmacies
We recommend online pharmacies where pet owners can find cheaper medications than vet dispensing.
✓ Enabling Ownership Data
Our database shows which vets are part of corporate chains, supporting transparency about practice ownership.
✓ Free Access
All data on Vet Fair is 100% free to access, no signup needed. Everyone deserves to see vet pricing.
Questions About the CMA Decision
When will these reforms come into force? +
The government is working on implementing the recommendations. Most expect mandatory price lists and the £21 prescription cap to take effect in 2026–2027, though some parts may come sooner.
Will the £21 cap apply to all prescriptions? +
The cap applies to non-controlled medications only. Controlled drugs (e.g., some painkillers) will have different rules. The details are still being finalised.
Can I demand my vet give me a prescription for online pharmacies? +
In many cases, yes — vets are already allowed to issue prescriptions for online pharmacies. However, they can refuse if they believe there's a clinical reason. The CMA is pushing for clearer rules on this.
Will prices definitely come down? +
Not guaranteed, but transparency usually helps. When prices are public, practices face pressure to remain competitive. The prescription cap should definitely save money on medications.
What happens if my vet doesn't comply? +
Once mandatory, non-compliance could result in regulatory action by Ofcom (which oversees vet regulation in some respects) or local authorities. Details are still being worked out.
Does this affect emergency vet prices? +
Emergency services may be treated differently since vets have less time to provide quotes. The final rules are still being developed.
Learn More
Official CMA Report: www.gov.uk/cma — Read the full investigation decision and recommendations.
RCVS Response: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has published guidance on the CMA decision and what it means for practices.
Vet Fair: We're tracking the implementation of these reforms and updating our database as prices and regulations change.
What You Should Do Now
While reforms are being implemented, you can already use Vet Fair to compare prices and make informed decisions about your pet's care.
Compare Vet Prices Near You