Vet Prescription Fees to Be Capped at £21 Under New CMA Rules
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially confirmed that veterinary prescription fees will be capped at £21, marking a significant shift in the industry. This reform, set to take effect later this year, aims to provide relief for pet owners facing rising costs.
Enhanced Transparency and Price Comparison Tools
In addition to the fee cap, veterinary practices will be required to publish comprehensive price lists for their services. These lists must include details on consultations, common procedures, and cremation options. To further boost competition, a price comparison website will be introduced, allowing pet owners to easily compare local practices.
Martin Coleman, chair of the independent Inquiry Group, emphasized the impact of these changes. "Today's reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs," he stated. "Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds."
Key Measures to Protect Consumers
The CMA has outlined several other critical measures to ensure greater accountability and clarity in the veterinary sector:
- Vet businesses must disclose whether they are part of a larger group or operate independently, helping owners understand the ownership structure of their practice.
- For any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, including aftercare, a written estimate must be provided in advance, along with an itemised bill upon completion. Emergencies are exempt from this requirement.
- Price and ownership information will be integrated into the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' "Find a Vet" service, which will share data with third-party comparison sites to facilitate informed decision-making.
Addressing Rising Costs in Veterinary Care
Recent research by ManyPets highlighted the urgency of these reforms, revealing that the average price of a vet prescription had risen to £29.56 earlier this year, an 8% increase from 2025. The highest prescription fee recorded was £40, underscoring the need for regulatory intervention.
Coleman added, "Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator." These steps are designed to empower consumers and foster a more competitive market, ultimately benefiting both pets and their owners across the region.
