BVA Raises Concerns as UK Competition Watchdog Publishes Draft Veterinary Market Orders

UK Veterinary Profession Reviews Major Regulatory Changes Proposed by Competition Watchdog

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and veterinary practice leaders are reviewing a new package of draft market orders published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as the UK prepares for one of the most significant regulatory changes to its veterinary sector in decades.

The draft orders form part of the CMA’s wider reforms following its market investigation into veterinary services for household pets. The regulator aims to improve transparency, strengthen competition and help pet owners make more informed decisions about veterinary care.

While the veterinary profession supports greater transparency for clients, industry organisations have cautioned that some of the proposed measures may create practical challenges for veterinary teams and independent practices.

Draft Orders Introduce Wide-Ranging Consumer Transparency Measures

Under the proposed rules, veterinary businesses would be required to introduce several new consumer-focused measures, including:

• Clearer pricing information for common veterinary services

• Itemised invoices and treatment costs

• Mandatory information about written prescriptions

• Standardised client notices explaining that medicines may be available at lower prices from authorised online pharmacies

• Greater transparency regarding veterinary practice ownership

• New requirements for complaints handling and consumer information

The draft legislation also introduces prescription fee caps and standardised communication requirements intended to improve consumer awareness and price comparison. These measures are currently subject to public consultation before becoming legally binding.

BVA Warns of Operational Challenges

The British Veterinary Association has welcomed continued dialogue with the regulator but says some elements of the draft orders require further refinement.

According to BVA President Rob Williams, veterinary professionals remain concerned that mandatory prescription notices and the prescribed wording proposed by the CMA could unintentionally undermine trust between veterinary teams and clients.

The association has also highlighted concerns that additional administrative requirements could place disproportionate pressure on smaller independent practices, particularly those serving rural communities with limited staffing and resources. The BVA has indicated that it will continue working with the CMA during the consultation process to ensure the final measures are practical and proportionate.

Balancing Consumer Protection and Clinical Practice

The CMA’s reforms are designed to address concerns identified during its multi-year investigation into the UK’s veterinary services market.

The regulator concluded that many pet owners found it difficult to compare veterinary fees, understand ownership structures or access information about prescription options. It believes greater transparency will strengthen competition and improve consumer choice. Veterinary organisations generally support these objectives but argue that implementation should avoid creating unnecessary complexity during consultations, where clinicians must prioritise patient care and communication with owners.

Independent Practices May Face Greater Compliance Demands

Large veterinary groups often have dedicated compliance, legal and administrative teams capable of implementing regulatory changes across multiple practices. Smaller independent clinics, however, may need to adapt their existing systems, websites, pricing information, prescription procedures and client communications with fewer resources.

Industry observers note that compliance costs are therefore likely to vary significantly depending on practice size and organisational structure. The CMA has proposed phased implementation timelines to allow practices time to prepare for the new requirements.

Consultation Now Underway

The CMA has opened a formal consultation on the draft Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order, inviting comments from veterinary professionals, practice owners, industry organisations and other stakeholders.

The consultation focuses on how the remedies should be implemented rather than revisiting the findings of the market investigation itself. Once finalised, the orders are expected to introduce legally enforceable requirements across the UK veterinary sector later this year, with implementation phased over the following months.

Looking Ahead

The consultation marks an important stage in the modernisation of the UK’s veterinary services market. For regulators, the objective is to increase transparency and strengthen consumer confidence. For veterinary professionals, the challenge will be implementing these changes without disrupting clinical workflows or compromising the quality of patient care.

The coming weeks are likely to see continued dialogue between the CMA, the BVA and veterinary businesses as the industry works towards a regulatory framework that balances consumer protection with the practical realities of veterinary practice.