UK CMA targets price transparency in veterinary care
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is calling for sweeping changes in Britain’s veterinary sector after an investigation found that pet owners face higher bills and limited choice, especially at chain-owned practices. The watchdog’s provisional findings suggest the £6.3 billion market is not fit for purpose and needs modernisation to better protect consumers and their pets.
The scale of the issue
According to the CMA, prices at large veterinary groups are, on average, 16.6% higher than at independent practices. The regulator also found that many customers are unaware whether their local clinic is part of a broader corporate network, and they lack clear pricing information for routine services. Such opacity means owners may pay more for common procedures without realizing alternative options exist.
Why transparency matters
The CMA emphasised that a lack of price visibility can lead to confusion and higher costs, particularly for ongoing treatments and prescriptions. The investigation highlighted that pet owners can pay significantly more for medicines ordered through veterinary channels than they would by shopping online, sometimes by hundreds of pounds for a single item.
Proposed reforms: 21 measures to modernise veterinary markets
To address these concerns, the CMA put forward 21 recommendations. Key proposals include:
- Public disclosure of comprehensive price lists for common services and treatments in every practice.
- Clear information about whether a clinic is part of a large corporate group.
- Policies that prioritise the best interests of pets and their owners, with transparency on decision-making and pricing.
- A new, accessible price comparison website to help owners compare costs across providers.
- A potential cap on prices for written prescriptions to prevent excessive charges.
Additional measures include improving information on treatment options, ensuring fair processing, and promoting competition by making it easier to switch between providers without losing continuity of care.
What this means for large vet groups
The CMA noted that the six largest owners of UK practices account for a majority of veterinary locations. These groups include two listed companies and several owner-operated private equity holdings, with one major group owned by Mars Petcare. The CMA’s analysis indicated that acquisitions among these groups contributed to price rises over the following years, underscoring the case for greater transparency and consumer choice.
Timing and next steps
At present, the CMA’s conclusions are provisional. Stakeholders have until next month to submit comments before a final decision is released next year. The regulatory framework currently governing veterinary professionals dates back to 1966 and does not cover the business entities themselves, leaving a gap that the CMA’s reforms aim to close.
Quotes and anticipated outcomes
Martin Coleman, who chairs the inquiry, stressed that many pet owners are in the dark about whether a practice is independent or part of a chain and what constitutes reasonable pricing. “They are sometimes committing to expensive treatment without understanding the price in advance. They do not always feel confident asking for a prescription or buying medicine online – even when it could save them hundreds of pounds,” he said.
Looking ahead
If the CMA’s proposals are implemented, owners could benefit from clearer pricing, better online comparison tools, and more straightforward ways to obtain affordable medicines. The reforms aim to empower pet owners to choose the right vet, receive appropriate treatments, and purchase medicines at a fair, transparent price.
