UK’s Antitrust Watchdog Concludes Veterinary Sector Market Investigation with Major Reforms

March 29, 2026

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Britain’s competition regulator, has recently CONCLUDED its market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom and has set out its final reforms – which will start coming into force later this year (the CMA will have six months to impose legally binding orders on businesses, meaning all remedies will be in place by September 23, 2026, with most taking effect within three to 12 months after that). Some of the legally binding measures include price lists, price caps on written prescriptions, written estimate for treatments, a cost comparison website, and ownership transparency (veterinary practices must make it clear to pet owners whether they are part of a group or an independent business – common ownership will be displayed on signage, at the premises and online).

The UK is one of the most concentrated veterinary markets in the world where over 60% of practices are owned in whole or in part by six large corporate groups (in 2013, approximately 10% of practices were owned by large corporations – the rapid consolidation of veterinary practices resulted mainly from a significant number of acquisitions over a relatively short period of time).

Martin Coleman, Chair of the independent Inquiry Group, said:

  • “This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today’s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.”
  • “Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds. Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.”
  • “Our changes put pet owners at the centre but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgement from undue commercial pressure – and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care.”

RELATED:

  • Summary of Final Report:
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c2aed8a661abbaa1cf9dde/Summary_of_final_report_24.3.26.pdf
  • The BSAVA welcomes the conclusion of the CMA investigation into the veterinary sector (3.24.26)
    https://www.bsava.com/article/the-bsava-welcomes-the-conclusion-of-the-cma-investigation-into-the-veterinary-sector/

    • BSAVA President Julian Hoad said: “The BSAVA welcomes the final report of the CMA and supports many of the remedies and recommendations made which largely reflect the feedback we provided. These include greater transparency around practice ownership, price lists and estimates for treatments and, a more reasonable approach to prescription fees which reflects a professional responsibility that should not be taken lightly or undervalued.”