The CMA has announced a sweeping reform of the UK veterinary sector, requiring practices to publish clear pricing and treatment information by December as the biggest overhaul in a generation.

Under the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, treatment names and descriptions will be standardized and prices must be visible, with itemised bills and upfront costs for out-of-hours care.

From today, September 22, practices must publish detailed price lists, provide itemised bills for treatments above £500 (except in emergencies), and enable price comparison through a Find a Vet service, with full implementation by September 2027.

Stakeholders reacted positively: the Independent Inquiry Group called the reforms a milestone; the British Veterinary Association welcomed scrutiny and compliance; Which? warned against overpriced medicines, hidden fees, and unclear pricing, urging a future independent regulator and veterinary ombudsman.

Leaders from the CMA Inquiry Group, the BVA, and Which? emphasized transparency, standardisation, and consumer protection as central aims of the reforms.

The CMA found that pet owners previously lacked essential information and that weak competition contributed to poorer outcomes, prompting the reforms to boost budgeting, trust, and market competition.

The reforms will roll out in phases through 2027, with larger firms required to comply by December this year and smaller firms by the same date next year; notable elements include prescription fee transparency and itemised bills.

Phase-in includes March, June, and September 2027 milestones covering prescription details, information about obtaining prescriptions elsewhere, in-house complaints processes, written estimates, and itemised bills.

Owners will be told when cheaper medicines are available online, addressing CMA findings that many could save by shopping online for long-term meds.

CMA findings show more than 70% of pet owners could save by buying medications online, fueling the push for online price visibility and reduced overcharging.

CMA chair Martin Coleman underscored that reforms will clarify practice ownership, treatment options, and pricing, and set up an independent regulator to hold vet businesses to account.

For end-of-life decisions, owners will receive full pricing for all options, including home burial and cremation, before choosing, and out-of-hours providers can be switched to improve value.