UK implements fee caps for veterinary written prescriptions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, establishing legal limits on the fees veterinary practices in the United Kingdom can charge for written prescriptions.

Under the new regulations, the fee for the first prescribed medicine is capped at £21.40, including VAT. Each subsequent medicine prescribed during the same consultation or event is capped at £12.70. These limits apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The order prevents practices from adding extra administration charges for preparing or sending prescriptions, and the cap remains regardless of the medication's quantity or strength. To prevent circumvention, practices must ensure written prescriptions cover the same treatment duration as in-house dispensing, though controlled drugs are exempt from this specific requirement. The current caps are set to remain in place until March 31, 2028, after which they will be adjusted annually for inflation.