CMA publishes Provisional Decision on Investigation into Veterinary Services

15 October 2025

The CMA has published (15th Oct 2025) its Provisional Decision on the Market Investigation into veterinary services for household pets.

The Investigation, which principally focused on veterinary businesses as opposed to individual vets, has identified a number of concerns around the lack of strong competition between veterinary businesses thereby compromising benefits for pet owners.

Key findings of the Report into the UK’s £6.3bn veterinary services market include an average increase in veterinary prices across the market of 63% between 2016 and 2023 – well above the rate of inflation, a lack of transparency for pet owners regarding many veterinary costs and services and, that the regulatory system for the veterinary sector is not fit for purpose

Given its findings, the CMA has provisionally decided on 21 measures to address their concerns and promote competition within the veterinary sector. These include measures for owners covering the provision of better information on prices, treatments, medicines, ownership, pet healthcare plans and cremations; a price cap on written prescriptions; and a new comprehensive price comparison website.

In terms of an improved regulatory system, the CMA’s provisional measures include an improved Veterinary Surgeons Act, regulation of veterinary businesses and overall, reform of an inadequate, outdated regime with one that works for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.

CMA acknowledge that the vast majority of veterinary professionals work hard, act ethically, and put animal welfare first with respect to the animals in their care and that vets deserve respect, not hostility.

CMA also acknowledge that there is no NHS for animals and veterinary businesses need to make a reasonable profit to continue providing good quality care and invest in the latest treatments. The CMA realise that veterinary care can be expensive, especially for more advanced treatments – pet owners are buying a highly skilled service, often requiring advanced equipment. However, they also recognise that it is important that veterinary businesses provide a quality service which people can afford.

The CMA believe their proposals, if implemented, would enable pet owners to choose the right vet and the right treatment, without confusion or unnecessary cost and they would further enhance trust in the profession whilst at the same time protecting clinical judgment from undue commercial pressure.

The CMA are consulting on their provisional decision and we would encourage members of the professions to respond by the deadline of Wednesday, 12th November 2025 via the CMA consultation page which can be accessed from the main CMA MIR page https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/veterinary-services-market-for-pets-review

BSAVA as a designated Main Party has responded jointly to previous CMA consultations throughout the period of their market investigation and we will continue to provide feedback to CMA through their consultation on the Provisional Decision.

Further information