Veterinary Sector Reforms: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

The UK veterinary sector is undergoing what has been described as the most significant reform in decades, following the conclusion of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the market.

The final package of reforms marks the end of a two-and-a-half-year review into a sector now worth over £6 billion, and reflects growing concern around costs, transparency, and competition.

For pet professionals, this is not just a veterinary issue — it signals a broader shift in expectations across the companion animal sector.

Why Were the Reforms Needed?

At the heart of the CMA investigation were concerns about how the veterinary market has evolved in recent years.

Evidence gathered during the investigation highlighted:

• Significant price increases
  Veterinary fees have risen by over 60% since 2016, outpacing inflation.

• Lack of transparency for pet owners
  Many clients reported difficulty understanding treatment costs, available options, and pricing structures.

• Market consolidation
  More than 60% of practices are now owned by large corporate groups, raising concerns about reduced competition.

• Outdated regulatory framework
  The current system largely regulates individual vets, rather than the businesses operating practices, leaving gaps in oversight.

The CMA concluded that these factors were contributing to a market where pet owners may struggle to make informed decisions, and where competition was not functioning effectively.

In financial terms, it is estimated that these issues could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years.

What Changes Are Being Introduced?

The CMA’s final reforms focus on improving transparency, accountability, and consumer choice.

Key measures include:

• Greater price transparency

Veterinary practices will be required to publish clearer pricing information, including price lists and written estimates for higher-cost treatments.

• Prescription fee limits

Caps will be introduced on prescription charges, helping pet owners access medication more affordably.

• Practice Ownership transparency

Practices must clearly state whether they are independent or part of a corporate group, allowing clients to better understand who is providing care.

• Comparison tools

New tools will be developed to allow pet owners to compare services and pricing more easily across practices.

• Stronger oversight

There is a wider move towards improving how veterinary businesses are regulated, including potential reform of existing legislation.

When Will These Changes Be Implemented?

The CMA has now reached its final decision (March 2026) following consultation and evidence gathering.

Implementation will take place in phases throughout 2026, with key measures expected to be introduced before the end of the year.

This staged approach is designed to give practices time to adapt systems, update pricing structures, and ensure compliance.

A Wider Shift Across the Sector

Although these reforms are focused on veterinary services, they reflect a much broader trend across the companion animal sector.

We are seeing increasing emphasis on:

• Transparency in pricing and services

• Clear communication with clients

• Accountability of businesses, not just individuals

• Accessible information to support informed decision-making

These themes are not unique to veterinary services — they are increasingly influencing expectations across grooming, training, boarding, and other pet care services.

The Role of Consultation and Sector Input

It is also important to recognise that these reforms have been shaped through extensive consultation, with input from across the sector — including pet owners, veterinary professionals, and organisations such as the Animal Focused Alliance.

This ensures that the final outcome reflects a balance between:

• protecting consumers

• supporting professional practice

• maintaining high standards of animal welfare

What This Means for Pet Professionals

For pet professionals outside of veterinary practice, these reforms still carry important implications.

They reinforce the direction of travel across the sector:

✔️ Clients increasingly expect clear pricing and transparency
✔️ Professional standards are becoming more visible and measurable
✔️ Businesses are expected to demonstrate accountability and good practice

In many ways, veterinary reform is setting the tone for what may follow in other areas of the pet care sector.

Looking Ahead

The CMA reforms are part of a wider programme of change, including ongoing discussions around modernising veterinary legislation and improving oversight of the sector.

Together, these developments point to a future where:

• regulation is more aligned with modern business structures

• standards are more consistent across services

• and animal welfare remains central to professional practice

For the Animal Focused Alliance, this reinforces the importance of ensuring members are informed, supported, and prepared for change.