Pet owners across the UK will see the cost of veterinary prescriptions capped under new rules designed to curb rising prices in the sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is set to introduce a legally binding Order by 23 September 2026, following a two-year investigation into the market.
The reforms target a lack of price transparency and high corporate concentration which the regulator found had limited competition. Figures from the investigation revealed that veterinary fees in the UK rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023, more than double the general rate of inflation during the same period.
New price caps for prescriptions
Under the new rules, the amount a vet can charge for a written prescription will be strictly limited. The cap is set at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for each additional medicine prescribed within the same consultation. This move aims to prevent practices from using high prescription fees to discourage owners from buying medications from cheaper sources.
Vets will also be legally required to proactively inform clients that they have the right to a written prescription and that medicines may be available at a lower cost from online pharmacies or retail outlets.
Timeline for implementation
While the formal Order will be made in September 2026, the rollout of the price caps will be phased based on the size of the veterinary business:
- Large veterinary groups: Those with 15 or more practices must comply with the prescription fee cap by March 2027.
- Independent practices: Smaller businesses have until September 2027 to implement the full suite of changes.
The phased approach is intended to give smaller independent businesses more time to adjust their financial models, as some industry experts suggest consultation fees may rise to offset the reduction in prescription revenue.
Increased transparency for pet owners
In addition to prescription caps, the CMA is mandating better communication regarding the cost of care.
For more complex or expensive care, vets will be required to provide written estimates for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more. Billing must also be fully itemised, ensuring owners can see exactly what they are paying for, from professional fees to specific medications.
According to official guidance from the CMA, these measures are intended to restore choice to consumers.