Veterinary businesses are now legally required to implement changes following the publication of the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) final report on its vet services market investigation. The CMA has issued a legal document, a CMA Order, which makes the remedies legally binding for applicable businesses.
The new requirements primarily apply to veterinary businesses operating one or more first opinion practices (FOPs) that provide services for household pets. Some remedies also extend to referral centres, out-of-hours providers, and crematoria. Smaller businesses, with fewer than 15 FOPs, generally have more time to comply than larger businesses.
Key changes include a mandate for veterinary businesses operating more than one FOP, or a combination of FOPs and other veterinary services, to clearly display ownership information online, in signage, on premises, and in communications. All FOPs must also publish clear and accessible information about out-of-hours provision, qualifications, accreditations, and price lists for a defined set of services. Prices for commonly sold flea, tick, and worm products must also be published, along with a link to the VMD Register of Online Retailers.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is required to take specific actions, including monitoring veterinary businesses' compliance with the remedies. To fund this new role, the RCVS will charge a levy to veterinary businesses, as set out in the Veterinary Services Market Investigation (Funding) Order 2026. The CMA, not the RCVS, will be responsible for enforcing non-compliance, which could lead to financial penalties.