Introduction: The CMA’s stance on vet pricing
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has urged the veterinary sector to increase price transparency, arguing that pet owners deserve clearer upfront information about costs. In its provisional findings on the £6.3 billion veterinary market, the CMA highlighted widespread gaps in how prices are communicated, and suggested concrete steps to help owners compare options and budget for care.
What the CMA is proposing
The CMA’s recommendations include several practical requirements designed to level the information playing field for pet owners. Key proposals include:
- Mandating upfront price lists so customers can shop around for the best value.
- Revealing whether a practice is part of a large corporate group, which can influence pricing and policies.
- Capping prescription fees that accompany medicines and treatments.
- Preventing bonuses or incentives based on steering clients toward certain treatments or products.
These measures, if implemented, would mark a significant shift from the current landscape where consumers often learn costs after a treatment decision has been made.
The state of vet bills and the customer experience
Personal stories illustrate the financial shock that canine and feline owners can face. Nicole Hawley shared her experience with her dog Ernie, who required emergency surgery after inhaling a grass seed. Facing a £12,000 bill, she described a choice between potentially euthanizing a pet or facing debt in order to save him. The CMA notes that several hundred owners contacted media outlets with similar concerns, signaling that the issue resonates across the sector.
Analysts point out that veterinary costs have risen sharply in recent years. CMA economist Martin Coleman told BBC Radio 4 that veterinary prices rose about 63% over seven years, roughly double the rate of inflation. He said that many families are paying more than necessary for medicines and procedures because price information is not readily available at the point of decision.
Price differentiation between corporate and independent practices
The CMA found that practices owned by large groups charge, on average, 16.6% more than independent clinics. This disparity underscores the CMA’s argument that transparency should extend beyond individual clinicians to the broader business model of veterinary chains. While regulation exists for individual vets, there is less oversight of the corporate entities that own many clinics.
What happens next?
The CMA’s findings are currently provisional. Stakeholders have until next month to submit comments before a final decision is published next year. If the CMA proceeds, its recommendations would be implemented through a legally binding order, potentially by the end of 2026. Smaller vet practices would receive extra time to adapt to any new rules.
Implications for pet owners and veterinary practices
For pet owners, the push for price transparency could reduce the risk of unexpected bills and enable better budgeting. It may also encourage more competition among clinics as customers compare prices and services. For veterinarians and clinics, the proposals could require changes to billing practices, contract disclosures, and communications with clients. While some clinics may resist increased transparency, many already publish price lists and offer cost estimates; the CMA’s plan could formalize these practices across the sector.
Conclusion
The CMA’s call for upfront pricing and clearer ownership information reflects a broader move toward consumer protection in essential services. As the sector awaits a final decision, pet owners can expect a shift toward greater visibility of costs, enabling more informed decisions and potentially easing the burden of veterinary care in the future.
