In 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intensified its formal market investigation into UK veterinary services for household pets. This inquiry focuses on transparency, competition, and consumer choice within the veterinary services market. For veterinary practice managers, understanding the CMA’s working papers and proposed remedies is essential. These changes will impact how vet businesses operate, manage pricing, and communicate with pet owners.
This blog summarises key findings from the CMA’s working papers and outlines what practice managers must know to prepare for the evolving regulatory framework.
The CMA’s decision to launch a full investigation in 2023 was prompted by concerns that the veterinary services market may not be working effectively for consumers. Issues such as rising veterinary costs, a lack of pricing transparency, and limited consumer choice have been highlighted as significant barriers to healthy competition and informed decision-making.
As the operational leads in veterinary practices, managers play a crucial role in implementing changes that will address these concerns. Staying informed on the CMA’s working papers and consultation developments allows practice managers to proactively adapt policies, workflows, and client communications to meet new regulatory expectations.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published several key documents throughout its investigation into the veterinary services market for household pets. These documents provide insight into the challenges within the sector and potential measures for reform:
This foundational document outlines initial competition concerns, including factors affecting market dynamics and the challenges faced by independent practices. It sets the stage for the investigation by identifying areas such as pricing transparency and consumer information deficits.
This working paper details the CMA’s approach to analysing the financial health of veterinary businesses. It explores how profitability influences pricing strategies and market behaviour, with particular attention to veterinary fees and concerns regarding overcharging for medicines.
This document proposes practical solutions designed to improve transparency, empower clients, and address structural competition issues within the veterinary sector. It forms part of an ongoing consultation process aimed at shaping effective remedies to enhance market functioning, which will close by 27th May 2025.
These CMA working papers highlight the value of veterinary care and the need for reforms that promote greater transparency and consumer protection while supporting a well-functioning market.
The CMA’s proposed remedies seek to improve transparency and fairness across veterinary services for household pets. The key elements include:
Veterinary organisations have actively engaged with the CMA investigation:
These joint responses underscore the importance of balanced remedies that reflect the realities of veterinary practice.
The CMA invites veterinary practice managers to submit feedback on the proposed remedies by 5 pm on 27 May 2025. Your response is crucial to ensure the CMA’s final decision takes into account practical considerations and unintended consequences that may arise in daily operations.
When drafting your response, consider:
Practice managers should review the full CMA consultation and working papers on the official CMA case page to inform their submissions.
With the CMA expected to publish its final decision in late 2025, practice managers must begin preparing now for significant operational shifts. Key actions include:
Proactive preparation will help your practice remain compliant, trusted by clients, and resilient during this period of market reform.
Keeping these milestones in mind will enable practice managers to plan effectively and implement necessary changes promptly.
The CMA’s 2025 veterinary market investigation marks a pivotal moment for UK veterinary services, focused on enhancing transparency, competition, and consumer protection. Veterinary practice managers are at the forefront of this transition, tasked with adapting operations to new regulatory expectations while maintaining the highest standards of veterinary care and animal welfare.
By staying informed, engaging with the consultation, and preparing your practice accordingly, you can ensure your clinic navigates this regulatory evolution successfully. Your leadership will be vital in supporting a thriving veterinary market that benefits pet owners, veterinary professionals, and the wider sector.
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