Vet Price Comparison
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Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

The Funding Order and RCVS funding undertakings were published on 20 August 2026. The substantive remedies Order and related RCVS undertakings were still being finalised as of this review (statutory deadline 23 September 2026). Where later compliance dates are planned rather than in force, we say so.

Remedies

What is changing

On 24 March 2026 the CMA published its final decision on veterinary services for household pets. The remedies package aims to make ownership, prices, medicines choices, and higher-cost treatment information clearer for pet owners. Exact legal duties take effect when the CMA Order is made and on phased compliance dates.

Vet Price Comparison is an independent UK comparison service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, operated by, or part of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Standard price lists

Relevant veterinary businesses must publish clear, accessible price lists for a defined set of services they offer — online (where they have a website) and in premises — with VAT included. There is no requirement to list services they do not offer.

Ownership transparency

Groups operating more than one first-opinion practice (or mixed veterinary businesses) must clearly display ownership information online, on signage, on premises, and in communications.

Written prescriptions and fee caps

Pet owners must be told written prescriptions are available and that medicines may be cheaper elsewhere. Written prescription fees are capped at £21 for the first medicine in a consultation and £12.50 for each additional medicine in the same consultation (VAT-inclusive; annual CPI adjustment planned).

Written estimates and itemised bills

Where a recommended treatment pathway is reasonably likely to cost £500 or more including VAT, practices must provide a written estimate, with written updates if costs are likely to rise by 20% or £500 (whichever is lower).

Data for comparison

Businesses must share key practice information, including prices, with the RCVS for an enhanced Find a Vet platform and for sharing with approved third parties subject to restrictions. This is scheduled later in the rollout (see timeline).

Other remedy themes

The package also covers basic service information (including out-of-hours arrangements), parasiticide price lists, pet care plan explanations, complaints and redress, and related requirements. Check the CMA business guidance for which remedies apply to which business types.

Who this applies to

CMA guidance says remedies mainly apply to veterinary businesses operating one or more first-opinion practices providing veterinary services for household pets. Some remedies also cover referral centres, out-of-hours providers, and crematoria. Animal charities providing small animal veterinary services are generally outside the Order's requirements. Individual employed vets are not the primary duty-holders, but workplace processes may change.

Read CMA business guidance

Implementation timeline

See planned dates through 2027.

For pet owners

Practical implications and comparison tips.

For practices

High-level orientation — not legal advice.

Verify on primary sources

Remedy themes above summarise CMA business guidance. Use the originals for defined service lists and timings.