Bringing fairness to the UK veterinary market
FairFetch was built in direct response to the Competition and Markets Authority's investigation into the UK's £6.3 billion veterinary sector — which found systemic overcharging and a shocking lack of price transparency.
The problem we're solving
In 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) completed a major investigation into the UK veterinary sector. Their findings were stark: the market had become deeply opaque, with practices across the country charging wildly different prices for identical treatments — and pet owners having no easy way to compare or challenge those prices.
The CMA found that the £6.3 billion sector had significant consolidation, with large corporate groups owning an ever-growing share of practices that were once independent. Consumers were often unaware of ownership changes and lacked the information to make genuinely informed choices.
The result? The same procedure — a routine consultation, a standard vaccination, a prescription reissue — could cost double at one practice compared to another just a mile away. And most pet owners never knew.
“Prices are often available on the vet practice's website, or you can ask them for a pricelist directly... It's worth comparing prices across different practices.”
Competition and Markets Authority guidance — GOV.UKWhat we're doing about it
FairFetch is the UK's dedicated vet price comparison platform. We aggregate prices from veterinary practices across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — and display them side-by-side so pet owners can compare in seconds.
We list independent practices and corporate chains alike. Our goal isn't to promote one over the other — it's to ensure that every pet owner can access the same information and make genuinely informed decisions.
FairFetch is built for the long term. As CMA transparency requirements take hold and more practices publish their prices, we'll continue to grow our database and improve our tools — always keeping pet owners' interests at the centre of everything we do.
What we stand for
Transparency above all
We believe pet owners have a right to know what vet care costs before they walk through the door. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Fair pricing for everyone
The CMA found practices can charge vastly different prices for identical treatments. We make it easy to find the fairest deal in your area.
Better outcomes for pets
When veterinary costs are transparent and affordable, more pets get the care they need. That's the outcome we're working towards.
Always free for pet owners
FairFetch will always be free for the people who need it most — the pet owners trying to give their animals the best possible care.
What the law says about vet pricing
Following the CMA investigation, veterinary practices in the UK are required to make pricing information readily available to consumers. The guidance specifically recommends that pet owners compare prices before choosing a practice.
Practices must publish consultation prices
Price lists should be easily accessible online
Pet owners can and should compare prices
Practices must provide written estimates before treatment
Prescription fees must be disclosed upfront
Out-of-hours pricing must be clearly communicated