The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is cracking down on the veterinary industry, demanding vets publish clear pricing and reveal if they’re part of huge corporate chains. The move aims to stop pet owners from shelling out far more than needed.
Big Vet Chains Ripping Off Customers?
The CMA’s deep-dive into the £6.3bn veterinary sector uncovered that big vet groups charge on average 16% more than independent practices. Shockingly, prices for common treatments and meds have sometimes doubled since 2016.
Worse still, many pet owners are kept in the dark about costs. They struggle to compare prices and often get no written quote before pricey procedures. That leaves them vulnerable to surprise bills.
CMA Calls for Sweeping Reforms
To protect nervous pet owners, the watchdog proposes:
- Mandatory price lists at all vet clinics
- Written price estimates for treatments over £500
- Clear disclosure if vets are linked to big corporate chains
- Automatic prescriptions so owners can buy cheaper meds online
Martin Coleman, chairman of the CMA inquiry, slammed the current system, saying: “Pet owners are sometimes committing to expensive treatment without understanding the price in advance. Our proposals aim to give them the information they need to make confident choices.”
Final Verdict Coming in 2026
The CMA plans to deliver its final recommendations by March 2026. If adopted, these reforms could save pet owners hundreds and bring much-needed transparency to the vet sector.
