The UK’s veterinary sector is changing. After investigating competition and transparency in veterinary services, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order on 22 September 2026.
The new requirements are designed to give pet owners clearer information about pricing, practice ownership and treatment options. Importantly, the rules are being introduced in phases, so not every requirement applies immediately.
Why were changes needed?
The CMA found that many owners struggled to compare veterinary prices, understand who owned local practices or judge the potential cost of medicines and treatment. Greater transparency should help owners make more informed choices.
What is changing for pet owners?
Clearer prices for common services
Veterinary businesses will be required to make standard price information available for specified services. For larger businesses, certain price-list requirements apply from the next working day after 22 December 2026. Smaller practices have more time to comply.
More information about practice ownership
Groups will be required to identify who owns or operates their veterinary practices more clearly, making it easier for owners to understand whether a practice is independent or part of a wider business.
Written estimates and itemised bills
The Order includes requirements for written estimates for higher-cost treatments and clearer itemised bills. For larger businesses, these provisions are scheduled to apply from the next working day after 22 June 2027; for smaller businesses, from the next working day after 22 September 2027.
Prescription fees and medication choices
The rules aim to make it easier to consider buying prescribed medicines elsewhere. Under the CMA’s October 2026 guidance, the cap for a written prescription is £21.40 for the first medicine and £12.70 for each additional medicine. These fee caps are scheduled to apply to larger veterinary businesses from the next working day after 22 March 2027, and smaller businesses from the next working day after 22 September 2027.
Better information about pet care plans and complaints
Practices will also have to explain pet care plans more clearly and follow specified complaints processes. These requirements have their own compliance dates.
What should you do in the meantime?
- Ask for an estimate of treatment costs before agreeing to non-emergency work where practical.
- Check the charges and services listed on your veterinary practice’s website.
- If medication is prescribed, ask about written prescriptions and possible purchasing options.
- Review your pet insurance excess, policy limits and whether you must pay the vet upfront.
For the precise requirements and dates, see the CMA’s guidance for larger veterinary businesses and smaller veterinary businesses.
Information checked against CMA guidance published in October 2026. Implementation dates and fees may change; consult the latest official guidance before relying on a specific figure.