The CMA's investigation into the UK veterinary market is the most significant regulatory intervention in the industry's history. For the 12 million households with pets in the UK, it validates what many have long felt: vet bills have become unreasonable, and the market is not working in pet owners' favour.

The Problem the CMA Found

The veterinary market has undergone rapid consolidation. Six corporate groups — IVC Evidensia, CVS Group, Linnaeus (owned by Mars), VetPartners, Medivet, and Pets at Home — now own over 60% of UK vet practices. Many of these acquisitions happened without public awareness: your "local independent vet" may have been quietly bought by a corporate group years ago, keeping the same name and staff but with higher prices and different priorities.

The CMA found that this consolidation has led to:

  • Higher prices without corresponding improvements in care quality
  • Less competition, especially in areas where one group owns multiple practices
  • Reduced access to affordable emergency care
  • Barriers to switching vets (clinical records not easily transferred)

What This Means Practically

Short term (now): Nothing changes immediately. The CMA's final decision and remedies are expected in mid-2026. However, the investigation has already increased public awareness and put pressure on vet groups to be more transparent.

Medium term (2026–2027): Expect to see published prices, clearer prescription rights, and ownership disclosure requirements rolled out across practices.

Long term (2027+): If the CMA's remedies are effective, prices should stabilise or even decrease in real terms, and competition should improve. However, past CMA interventions in other industries have had mixed results.

What You Should Do Now

  1. Check who owns your vet: Search your practice name on Companies House or use VetCost to see if it is part of a corporate group
  2. Compare prices: Do not assume loyalty is rewarded. Compare consultation fees, vaccination prices, and procedure costs at 2–3 practices near you
  3. Exercise your prescription rights: For any ongoing medication, get a written prescription and buy online. This is the single biggest immediate saving available to most pet owners
  4. Ask for itemised bills: Do not accept a lump-sum bill. Ask for a breakdown of every charge so you can understand what you are paying for
  5. Consider an independent vet: The CMA data shows independents are on average 17% cheaper. If there is a good independent practice near you, it may be worth registering

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025).