Overview: A push for price transparency in veterinary care
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has urged a shift toward greater price transparency in the UK veterinary sector, arguing that pet owners should be able to see upfront how much treatments will cost. In a report examining soaring vet bills, the CMA warned that patients and their families are often left in the dark about prices, which can run into thousands of pounds and come with little or no advance estimation.
According to the CMA, veterinary prices have risen at almost twice the rate of inflation over several years. The watchdog said that making price lists publicly available, along with clear information about ownership and potential extras, could help owners compare options and avoid “price shocks” at emergencies or during prolonged treatment.
What the CMA is proposing
The CMA’s proposals center on several key reforms designed to loosen the current information bottlenecks in a sector worth about £6.3 billion a year. Among the recommendations:
- Vets should publish price lists for commonly used services and treatments, making it easier for owners to estimate costs in advance.
- Practices should disclose ownership and any affiliations with broader corporate groups.
- Prescription fees should be capped to prevent excessive charges for medicines.
- Bonuses tied to specific treatments should be banned to reduce potential conflicts of interest.
The CMA stressed that while regulation exists for individual veterinary professionals, there is limited oversight of the corporate entities that own many practices. The current framework—originating in 1966—may not reflect contemporary market dynamics where consolidation has changed competition and pricing power.
Real-world impact: pet owners share painful experiences
Stories shared with BBC News illustrate the human impact of opaque pricing. Nicole Hawley, 26, recounted a near-tragic bill for her dog Ernie after inhaling a grass seed and developing an infection. Facing an emergency decision, Hawley and her partner received a stark choice: euthanize or pay a “extortionate” surgical bill. They eventually borrowed money and tapped into savings for a wedding to cover the treatment cost.
Hawley’s experience prompted others to reach out to BBC’s Your Voice, Your BBC News with concerns about spiraling costs. In June, veterinary professionals and animal charities also described a trend of delaying treatment or, in worst cases, having animals euthanized to avoid insurmountable bills. These accounts underscore the urgency behind the CMA’s call for greater price visibility and accountability.
Industry response and next steps
Industry observers note that the sector has undergone significant consolidation, with large groups owning a growing share of veterinary practices. The CMA’s findings indicate that practices owned by large groups charge on average 16.6% more than independent veterinarians, highlighting how market structure can influence pricing.
Martin Coleman of the CMA highlighted that the regulatory system has not kept pace with a modern veterinary landscape. While individual vets face professional regulation, there is less scrutiny of the corporate owners that shape pricing and service offerings. The CMA’s current findings are provisional, with a formal consultation inviting submissions until next month. A final decision is due next year, and, if adopted, changes would be implemented through a legally binding CMA order by late 2026. Smaller veterinary businesses will receive additional time to comply.
What this means for pet owners and practices
If the CMA’s recommendations become law, pet owners could benefit from clearer upfront costs, more consistent pricing signals across practices, and reduced risk of unexpected charges. For practices, the reforms could necessitate new systems for price disclosure, clearer communication at the point of care, and potentially adjustments to how services are marketed and priced. The balance will be between protecting consumers and maintaining the viability of veterinary businesses amid a competitive landscape that has already seen notable consolidation.
Bottom line
The CMA’s call for price transparency and stricter disclosures aims to empower pet owners, reduce financial surprises, and promote fairer competition within the veterinary sector. As the sector awaits a final decision next year, the debate highlights a broader tension: how to ensure accessible, affordable veterinary care in a market influenced by corporate ownership and rising costs.
