CMA Vet Market Investigation 2026: New Price Transparency Rules

The 2026 UK Vet Market Investigation: What the New Price Transparency Rules Mean for You

The British veterinary sector has reached a "decisive turning point". Following years of concern regarding rising costs and the "Big Six" corporate groups - IVC Evidensia, CVS, Medivet, Linnaeus, VetPartners, and Pets at Home - owning roughly 60% of small animal practices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stepped in.

The CMA's Final Decision: Empowering the Pet Owner

In March 2026, the CMA published its final report, establishing a suite of "Pet Owner Empowerment Remedies". These are not mere suggestions; they are regulatory orders designed to fix a market where price increases have historically outpaced inflation.

1. Mandatory Standardized Price Lists (Remedy 2b)

Under the new CMA order, all veterinary businesses must now publish clear, standardized price lists for a defined set of services. This includes:

• Consultation fees: Average UK first-opinion fees now hover around GBP49.58, but can vary by 50% depending on geography.
• Vaccinations: Prices for boosters must be clearly displayed online and in-practice.
• Routine surgeries: Neutering, spaying, and dental work.

2. Mandatory Ownership Disclosure (Remedy 1)

Many pet owners feel misled when a local practice keeps its traditional name after being acquired by a corporate giant. The CMA now requires practices to "clearly and prominently disclose" their common ownership. If your vet is "part of the IVC Evidensia group" or "a business unit of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited," you must be told - online and in the foyer.

How to Find a Vet in My Area and Save Money

With these new rules, being able to compare pet treatment prices is finally becoming a reality. However, navigating 6,174 individual premises can be exhausting. This is where FairFetch simplifies the process, aggregating these newly public price lists into one searchable directory.