UK Watchdog to Tackle Vet Overcharging
UK Watchdog Eyes Curbs on Vet Overcharging
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is exploring regulatory changes to tackle rising vet costs, opaque pricing, and limited competition in the veterinary sector. Here’s what it means for pet owners.
What’s happening and why it matters
The CMA is scrutinising the veterinary market amid increasing concern over veterinary fees and drug markups. Between 2015 and 2023, vet treatment costs soared by over 60%, far outpacing service inflation of 35%. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Much of the sector is now concentrated: six large chains have purchased about 1,500 of the UK’s 5,000 vet practices over the past decade. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Issues under review
Medicine markups
Some clinics mark veterinary medicines three or four times their wholesale cost. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Growth of corporate chains
Large corporate ownership may limit practical competition and increase pressure on vets. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Incentive-based targets
The CMA is considering banning financial incentives tied to treatment recommendations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Lack of price transparency
Many pet owners are unaware of cheaper options such as online prescriptions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What the CMA may propose
- Ban on incentive schemes that compromise vets’ clinical freedom :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Caps or freezes on prescription and medicine fees :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Mandatory disclosures of treatment costs and cheaper alternatives :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Creation of a comparison website for vet services :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Potential Risks & Reactions
The British Veterinary Association supports many proposals but warns that overly strict controls could threaten practice viability. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Smaller independent practices worry they may be disproportionately affected compared to large chains. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
What Pet Owners Can Do
- Ask your vet for fully itemised quotes, especially for medicines and diagnostics.
- Compare prices from online or licensed pharmacies when permitted.
- Check whether your clinic publishes prices or offers price comparisons.
- Follow updates from the CMA and respond to public consultations.
