UK veterinary services to face new price transparency and prescription fee caps

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has implemented the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, introducing significant reforms to increase transparency and fairness in the veterinary sector.

Under the new regulations, veterinary practices must publish standard price lists for consultations, common procedures, and cremation options. For non-emergency treatments expected to cost £500 or more, vets are required to provide written estimates covering the full treatment pathway and aftercare, followed by an itemized bill upon completion. Additionally, prescription fees will be capped, with the first written prescription during a consultation limited to £21 and subsequent medicines in the same consultation capped at £12.

Implementation will be phased in through 2025. Larger veterinary businesses must comply with price list and pet care plan requirements by December 22, 2024, while smaller firms will have until late 2025 to meet all standards. The reforms also aim to allow pet owners to compare costs for common medicines and treatments more easily and provide clearer information regarding out-of-hours emergency costs and end-of-life options.