The CMA Vet Reform Implementation

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its comprehensive two-year investigation into the UK veterinary sector, following the publication of its final report on 24 March 2026.

This investigation, which is the most extensive review of the vet industry in generations, has identified significant barriers to competition that have contributed to rising costs for pet owners.

Consequently, a legally binding package of reforms will begin coming into force from September 2026 to address systemic issues with pricing, ownership transparency, and the supply of pet medication.

A main concern raised during this investigation was the lack of transparency and upfront information provided to pet owners regarding the cost of their pets’ care.

Research indicated that fewer than 40% of vet clinics currently publish prices online, which often results in unexpected financial pressure during stressful medical situations. To mitigate this, the CMA is mandating a standardised approach to price disclosure through the following ways;

• Mandatory Price Lists: All veterinary practices must now publish clear and accessible price lists for standard services, which include consultations, vaccinations, and common diagnostic tests. These lists must be available both within their physical premises and on their website, located no more than one click away from the homepage.
• The £500 Rule: For any non-emergency treatment expected to cost £500 or more, vets will be legally required to provide a written estimate in advance. This estimate must also include an outline of likely aftercare costs.
• Itemised Billing: Every transaction must be followed by a fully itemised bill. This ensures that the public can distinguish between professional fees, medication costs, and diagnostic charges.
• Reforms to Medication and Prescriptions: The cost of medication has been a major point of friction for households, particularly when prices at the surgery are significantly higher than those found at online pharmacies. The new regulations seek to empower owners to shop around for more affordable options.

Furthermore, vets are now obliged to inform clients of their right to a written prescription before any medicine is dispensed. This allows for increased competition from online providers, which the CMA suggests could save the average owner hundreds of pounds over the life of their pet.

The rapid consolidation of the market has seen six large corporate groups take control of approximately 60% of UK practices. In many cases, these surgeries have retained their original independent names, which can lead to a false impression of local competition.

In response, the CMA is enforcing mandatory branding disclosures. Vet practices must display clear signage at the entrance and on their digital platforms stating whether they are independent or part of a larger group.

In addition to this, these large vet groups must implement written policies that protect the clinical independence of their staff, ensuring that corporate financial targets do not influence medical advice.

The investigation also highlighted issues in the supply of out-of-hours emergency services and pet cremation. Many practices are currently tied to long notice periods with emergency providers, which prevents them from switching to more cost-effective alternatives. Consequently, the CMA is prohibiting unreasonable termination periods in these contracts to stimulate market movement.

Regarding pet cremations, practices will be required to provide transparent pricing for all options. This includes making communal cremation readily available and clearly priced, rather than presenting only higher-cost individual memorial options.

The CMA has until 23 September 2026 to finalise the formal orders that make these remedies legally binding. Following this, the requirements will be rolled out in stages over the subsequent twelve months.

Larger veterinary groups will be expected to comply with transparency and branding rules more rapidly than smaller, independent businesses. Therefore, pet owners should begin to see more visible pricing and ownership information appearing in surgeries throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.