Vet Price Comparison
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Last reviewed: 23 September 2026

The Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026 and related RCVS undertakings were published on 22 September 2026 (the CMA case hub now shows the case as closed). The Funding Order remains in place from 20 August 2026. Most pet-facing duties are still planned: the CMA says the first phase for larger businesses applies from 23 December 2026, with later dates into 2027. Live GOV.UK pages were unchanged on 23 September 2026 versus 22 September. The CMA says it will soon publish an updated explainer. 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. The Order was published on 22 September 2026; most pet-facing duties still follow phased Compliance Dates rather than applying immediately.

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. The Order sets initial written prescription fee caps of £21.40 for the first medicine and £12.70 for each additional medicine (VAT-inclusive), with a CPI-based adjustment from 1 April 2028. March 2026 GOV.UK guidance still shows £21 / £12.50; the CMA says it will soon publish an updated explainer.

Written estimates and itemised bills

The Order requires a written estimate where a recommended treatment pathway is reasonably likely to meet or exceed the Monetary Threshold (initially £500 including VAT), with further conditions in the Order text. Written updates are required if costs are likely to rise by 20% or by the Monetary Threshold (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.