The Competition and Markets Authority published its final report on veterinary services on 24 March 2026. It is the most extensive review of the sector in a generation. Six specific remedies come into force by 23 September 2026. Independent practices get three months longer to comply than larger groups.
The CMA found that weak competition stems from poor consumer information. Pet owners struggle to compare prices and services across practices. That leads to higher prices sector-wide. Rather than dramatic structural changes, the CMA chose transparency measures designed to help clients make informed choices.
Here is what each requirement means in practice. No spin. No panic.
The six requirements
1. Mandatory price lists
Every practice must display a clear, up-to-date price list prominently. This covers common procedures and consultations. Not every possible treatment. The goal is giving clients baseline expectations before they walk through your door.
If you already share pricing openly, you are ahead. If pricing lives in a drawer or only comes up when someone asks, this is the change that will take the most work.
2. Written estimates for treatments over £500
Any treatment exceeding £500 requires a written estimate before you proceed. Most practices already do this informally for major procedures. The change makes it systematic. It also creates a paper trail that protects both practice and client.
This one may actually save you time. Written estimates reduce billing disputes and give clients something concrete to share with insurance providers. Think of it as formalising a good habit.
3. Prescription fee caps
The RCVS will set caps on prescription fees. The exact amount is still under consultation. The principle is simple: clients should see clearly what they pay for the prescription itself versus the medication.
Independent practices that already price prescriptions fairly will barely notice this. Practices using prescription fees as a margin line will need to adjust.
4. Group ownership disclosure
Corporate-owned practices must clearly identify their parent company. Independent practices only need to confirm they are independently owned. Most already do this on their website or in reception.
This is a straightforward win for independents. Ownership transparency is something clients increasingly care about. Making it official gives you a credibility advantage you can lean into.
5. RCVS comparison website
The RCVS will launch a comparison website using practice-provided data on prices and services. Think of it as a directory, not a league table. You submit your information rather than being assessed externally.
Accuracy matters here. The data you provide shapes how potential clients see your practice for the first time. Treat your listing like you would treat your Google Business Profile. Keep it current. Make it reflect what you actually do well.
6. Annual regulatory levy
An independent levy of £450 to £550 annually funds the comparison website and ongoing regulatory oversight. This applies to every practice regardless of size. The exact amount depends on consultation feedback, but budget for roughly £500.
It is simply a cost of doing business, like professional indemnity insurance.
Timeline and compliance
Larger veterinary groups must comply by 23 September 2026. Independent practices have until late December 2026. That gives you three additional months to prepare systems and processes.
The CMA recognised that independent practices often lack dedicated compliance teams. They may need longer to implement new procedures without disrupting patient care. Use this time wisely rather than leaving everything until the deadline.
Start with price transparency now. Formalising your pricing helps with every other requirement and improves client relationships regardless of regulation.
What this means day to day
Most changes affect client communication rather than clinical practice. Your treatment decisions remain entirely professional. The requirements focus on how you explain costs and choices to pet owners.
Written estimates for treatments over £500 may actually reduce disputes and payment delays. Clients appreciate knowing costs upfront. Written records protect you if questions arise later about what was discussed.
Price lists require regular updating as costs change. But this encourages better internal cost management. Many practices find the exercise reveals pricing that has not kept pace with supplier increases.
How to prepare without the panic
The three-month extension gives independent practices time to implement changes thoughtfully. Focus on one requirement at a time rather than trying to address everything at once.
Consider which changes might actually improve how your practice runs. Clear pricing communication often reduces difficult conversations about bills. Written estimates provide documentation that helps with insurance claims and payment disputes.
The CMA also launched a separate market study into private dentistry in March 2026. This suggests similar transparency requirements may follow in other healthcare sectors. The veterinary changes could become a template rather than an exception.
The practices that treat these changes as an opportunity to communicate more clearly with clients, rather than a compliance burden, will come out ahead.
One practical starting point: audit your current pricing communication. Walk through the client journey from first phone call to final invoice. Where does pricing come up? Where does it not come up but should? That audit will tell you exactly where to focus first.
Clinevo helps independent veterinary practices handle the operational side of client communication, from answering phones to managing enquiries, so clinical teams can focus on care. Learn more at clinevo.ai.