New competition watchdog rules bring price transparency to UK vet practices

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its multi-year investigation into the UK market for veterinary services for pets, publishing a final report in March 2026 that found many owners lack the pricing information needed to compare practices, or to know they can request a written prescription and buy medicines elsewhere. A package of legally binding requirements is due to start taking effect from 23 September 2026, with smaller independent practices given a further three months to comply.

Under the new rules, veterinary practices will be required to make clear whether they are part of a larger corporate group, publish upfront prices for a standard list of common services, and provide a written estimate and itemised bill where a course of treatment is likely to cost £500 or more. Practices must also confirm that clients can ask for a written prescription to buy medicines elsewhere, with new caps of £21 for the first prescription issued at a consultation and £12.50 for further items. Veterinary bodies, including the British Veterinary Association, have broadly welcomed the push for greater transparency but have raised concerns about the wording of some of the proposed client notices on medicine costs.

For dog owners and breeders, veterinary care is one of the largest and least predictable costs involved in keeping and breeding healthy dogs, from routine checks and health screening to whelping support and ongoing treatment. Clearer, comparable pricing and confirmed prescription rights should make it easier to plan for these costs and compare practices before committing to a course of treatment.