UK vet pricing rules become law with fee caps

The Competition and Markets Authority has made its veterinary sector reforms legally binding by publishing the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026 on September 22, 2026, introducing phased pricing transparency rules and caps on written prescription fees for veterinary practices across the UK. Under the Order, written prescription charges are limited to £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines. Practices must also inform clients that they can request a written prescription to buy medicines elsewhere, potentially at lower cost. The CMA found that veterinary fees rose at nearly double the rate of inflation and that customers could pay double for commonly prescribed medicines compared with online retailers. Practices must provide a written estimate before any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, including aftercare, followed by an itemised bill, with emergencies as the principal exception. Owners are entitled to a clear breakdown of pet care plans, advance notice of out-of-hours emergency charges, and equal presentation of end-of-life options including cremation and home burial with prices disclosed before decisions are made.