Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Report 2025: What It Could Mean For Pet Owners?
The veterinary sector in the UK has come under close examination by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Following concerns about rising veterinary costs and a lack of transparency, the CMA has released its 2025 report outlining recommendations that could reshape how pet healthcare services operate.
This article explores the findings of the CMA’s report, what the proposed changes might mean for pet owners and how greater transparency could affect prices and choice.
Key Takeaways
Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the CMA’s 2025 report on the vet industry:
The CMA’s report highlights concerns about transparency and pricing in the UK veterinary sector.
Veterinary practices may soon be required to publish clear price lists for common treatments and services.
The watchdog is calling for improved disclosure around ownership, especially where large corporate groups are involved.
Pet owners could benefit from better access to information, allowing for more informed choices about their pets’ care.
UK Pets can provide pet owners with a number of different benefits compared to competitors.
Understanding the CMA’s Role
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s competition watchdog responsible for ensuring that markets work well for consumers and businesses. Its investigations help identify areas where competition may be limited or where consumers might be disadvantaged. In the case of the veterinary industry, the CMA began a review after receiving numerous complaints from pet owners about unclear pricing and the rising cost of animal healthcare.
Why was the veterinary industry investigated?
Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in the ownership structure of veterinary practices in the UK. What was once a predominantly independent industry has become increasingly consolidated. Large groups now own many local practices, often operating under different names that make it difficult for customers to recognise their connection.
The CMA’s investigation found that this consolidation, combined with a lack of clear pricing information, may have limited competition and contributed to higher costs for pet owners [1] [2].
Key Findings from the CMA’s 2025 Report
The CMA’s report identifies several key areas of concern that it believes need reform to improve outcomes for consumers:
Greater Transparency on Pricing
One of the CMA’s primary recommendations is for veterinary practices to publish clear, upfront prices for common services and treatments. This would include procedures such as vaccinations, neutering, dental work and consultations. The aim is to make it easier for pet owners to compare costs and make informed decisions before committing to care.
Currently, many practices do not display their prices publicly, which can make it difficult for customers to understand what they will pay until after treatment [1].
Clarity Around Ownership
The report also calls for improved clarity regarding who owns veterinary practices. In some cases, corporate ownership is not clearly disclosed, leading customers to believe they are using independent local vets when, in fact, the clinic is part of a chain.
This matters because ownership can influence pricing, product recommendations and referral decisions. The CMA believes that customers have a right to know whether a practice is independently run or part of a corporate group [2].
Easier Access to Prescriptions and Medical Information
The CMA has also raised concerns about how prescriptions are provided. Some pet owners reported finding it difficult or costly to obtain written prescriptions, which are required if they wish to buy medications from third-party suppliers such as online pharmacies.
To support fair competition, the CMA is recommending that practices make it simpler and more affordable for customers to access written prescriptions. This would ensure that pet owners can shop around for medication without unnecessary barriers or added fees [1].
Better Consumer Information
The report highlights the need for clearer consumer information, not only on pricing and ownership but also on treatment options, insurance and available financial support. The CMA found that many pet owners felt unprepared to make cost-related decisions during stressful situations, such as emergencies or serious illness.
Strengthening Fair Competition
Finally, the CMA’s broader aim is to create a fairer, more competitive marketplace where all veterinary businesses can thrive.
The CMA’s findings are now subject to consultation, with potential new rules or guidelines expected to follow once feedback has been reviewed.
What could these changes mean for pet owners?
If the CMA’s recommendations are implemented, pet owners could experience several important benefits:
Having access to published price lists would make it easier to budget for routine care and compare costs between providers.
Clearer ownership disclosure would allow pet owners to make more informed choices. Knowing whether a practice is independent or part of a larger group could influence where customers choose to go for care.
Simplified access to prescriptions could make it easier to find affordable medication options, particularly for long-term treatments.
Overall, these changes aim to put pet owners in control by ensuring they have the information they need to make confident, cost-effective decisions about their animals’ health.
How could veterinary practices be affected?
For veterinary practices, the CMA’s proposals could mean significant changes in operations. Practices may need to publish detailed pricing information. They may also be required to disclose ownership information clearly, potentially on signage, receipts and online. Practices linked to corporate groups might need to adjust how they communicate with clients to ensure transparency.
How could consumers benefit by using UK Pet Drugs?
When choosing a pharmacy for your pet’s medications, UK Pets offers several advantages that set us apart:
Independent and Customer-Focused
As an independent pet pharmacy, UK Pet Drugs is not part of a large corporate group. That means:
We are free to make decisions based on what’s best for pet owners, not shareholders.
We don’t have to follow rigid policies that benefit large chains. We can tailor our service to individual customer needs.
Lower Prices & Better Value
Many pet owners have found that medicines prescribed by vets can cost significantly more when supplied directly through the clinic. UK Pet Drugs helps you save in several ways:
By sourcing medicines legally and efficiently, we can often offer lower prices than veterinary practices.
You can upload a vet prescription and get the same licensed medication without paying the extra “clinic dispensing” or “in-house pharmacy” markups.
For routine, long-term, or repeat medications, savings accumulate.
Wide Product Range & Specialist Options
Because we are independent and focused on the health of your pets we:
Stock a broader selection of medications, supplements and products, including specialist brands that might not always be carried by all vet clinics.
Can adapt more quickly to customer demand for niche products.
Have the expertise to help you find the right product, dosage, or alternative options when necessary.
Transparency & Trust
Transparency is a core value. What this means for you:
You will always see the price of the medication before you complete your order. There are no hidden fees.
Prescription policies are clear.
We use UK-licensed, genuine products, regulated and approved.
Convenience & Ease
We aim to make getting your pet’s medicines as easy as possible, without compromising on safety or quality.
Order from home at any time. No need to visit a clinic just to pick up medication.
Valid prescriptions can be uploaded and processed.
Fast delivery options mean your pet gets what they need in time.
We provide expert customer support.
Final Thoughts from Vicki
The CMA’s 2025 report could mark an important turning point for the UK veterinary industry. By encouraging transparency, fairness and competition, the proposed changes have the potential to make pet healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Pet owners could benefit from clearer information, better choice and greater confidence when managing their pets’ well-being
Medically reviewed by:
Sources
[2] Vets should be made to publish prices, watchdog says - BBC