Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final decision on UK vet services on 24 March 2026. The main changes for pet owners are: every practice must publish a standard price list; written prescription fees are capped at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for each additional one in the same consultation; you must be told you can get a written prescription and buy medicines elsewhere; practices must give a written estimate for treatment likely to cost £500 or more, plus itemised bills; large groups must make their ownership clear; and a price comparison website is planned. The rules are being phased in, with most applying within months of the legal Order.
This guide explains each change, what it means for your vet bills and how to use your new rights.
Why the CMA stepped in
The CMA’s investigation found that vet prices had risen by 63% between 2016 and 2023, well above inflation, and that pet owners often couldn’t compare prices or see who owned their practice. More than 60% of practices are now owned by large groups. The CMA also concluded that the current regulatory framework, in which the RCVS regulates individual vets but not veterinary businesses, is no longer fit for purpose, and recommended a new Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The changes that matter to you
| Change | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Standard price lists | Every practice must publish prices for common services, such as consultations, out-of-hours consultations, vaccinations, written prescriptions and neutering, on its website and in the practice |
| Prescription fee cap | A written prescription costs no more than £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for each additional medicine in the same consultation, including VAT, adjusted each year for inflation |
| Prescription information | Your vet must tell you that you can request a written prescription and that medicines may be cheaper elsewhere |
| Written estimates | Practices must give a written estimate for treatment likely to cost £500 or more, and itemised bills |
| Ownership | Practices owned by large groups must make that clear |
| Price comparison website | A comparison site will let you compare practices’ prices |
When the changes apply
The CMA’s decision is enforced through a legally binding Order, and the measures are phased in. According to the CMA, the orders were to be made by 23 September 2026, with most measures coming into force within 3 to 12 months after that. For the prescription information measures, the CMA gives larger businesses 9 months and smaller ones 12 months from when the Order is in place. Large chains are generally expected to comply sooner than independent practices.
How to use your new rights
1. Compare prices before you choose a practice
Once price lists are published, check the consultation, vaccination and neutering prices of practices near you. For current typical prices, see vet consultation costs and dog neutering costs.
2. Ask for a written prescription for long-term medicines
For medicines your pet takes regularly, a written prescription lets you buy them from an online pharmacy. With the fee capped at £21, the saving on long-term medication can be significant. See vet prescription fees.
3. Always ask for a written estimate
For any significant treatment, ask for an itemised estimate before agreeing. Send it to your insurer for pre-approval if your pet is insured; see how pet insurance works.
4. Check who owns your practice
Ownership doesn’t tell you about the quality of care, but it helps you compare like with like and understand where referrals and prescriptions may be directed.
What the reforms won’t do
- They don’t cap treatment prices. Apart from written prescription fees, practices still set their own prices.
- They won’t change insurance rules. What your policy covers is unchanged; see pre-existing conditions.
- They take time. Not every practice will comply on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a vet charge for a written prescription?
Under the CMA Order, no more than £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for each additional medicine in the same consultation, including VAT, once the rules apply to your practice.
Do vets have to give written estimates?
Yes, for treatment likely to cost £500 or more, once the rules apply.
Will vet prices go down?
The CMA expects more competition to put pressure on prices over time, but it has not capped treatment prices.
When will the price comparison website launch?
It is being set up as part of the reforms. We will update this page when it is live.
What if my practice doesn’t follow the new rules?
Raise it with the practice first, and keep a written record. The CMA has recommended stronger regulation of veterinary businesses to government.
Key takeaways
- Practices must publish standard price lists for common services.
- Written prescription fees are capped at £21 plus £12.50 per extra medicine.
- You’re entitled to a written estimate for treatment likely to cost £500 or more.
- The changes are phased in over months, and treatment prices themselves aren’t capped.
Facing a bill you can’t pay? See can a vet refuse treatment if you can’t pay?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Timings may change; we update this page as the reforms come into force.