BSAVA responds to CMA’s Provisional Decision Report
17 November 2025
BSAVA has responded to the CMA’s provisional decision report published on 15th October on the proposed remedies as part of its market investigation into the supply of veterinary services for household pets. BSAVA as a main party responded jointly with BVA, BVNA, SPVS and the VMG to the CMA’s Report which set out 21 proposed measures intended to address concerns around competition within the small animal veterinary sector.
BSAVA acknowledge that the CMA has listened to the concerns we raised in response to the previous package of remedies proposed by CMA in their working paper earlier this year. The resulting latest proposals from CMA are in many instances more measured and proportionate. In particular, BSAVA welcomes those proposals aimed at increasing transparency for clients including improved information about practice ownership, pricing, estimates and services. It also supports CMA’s call for reform of the veterinary surgeons act and improved practice regulation.
However, BSAVA has expressed concern around CMA’s proposals for veterinary professionals to actively signpost their clients to buying medicines via online pharmacies which may be their direct competitors. We also expressed concern about the CMA’s proposed cap on prescription fees without significant further refinement.
BSAVA President, Julian Hoad says:
“BSAVA is pleased to see the CMA acknowledge that the vast majority of veterinary professionals work hard, act ethically, and put animal welfare first with respect to the animals in their care and that vets deserve respect, not hostility.
“BSAVA broadly welcomes the CMA provisional decision on remedies for the veterinary sector as part of its market investigation into veterinary services for household pets. In particular, BSAVA supports many of the principles underpinning the CMA provisional remedies intended to increase transparency for pet owners. These include improving availability of information around practice ownership and prices for treatments, medicines and other services, thereby promoting informed decision-making and enhancing the pet owner experience.
“The CMA also recognises that regulation of the veterinary sector is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. BSAVA agrees with this sentiment – our sector has undergone seismic change over the past few decades and it is only right that we have regulatory systems in place that adequately support not just businesses and our professions, but also owners, well into the future.”
Once the CMA propose their final decision, BSAVA has requested that veterinary professionals and businesses are given adequate opportunity to fully understand the detail of the requirements and in terms of the timetable for implementation, that sufficient time is allowed for the sector to adapt.
BSAVA, along with the organisations we have so far worked in partnership with, will continue to engage with the CMA to influence outcomes that are intended to support a well-functioning veterinary sector that encourages healthy competition between businesses, supports professions that thrive and ensures pet owners benefit from a range of affordable, quality services that maintain the health and welfare of their pets.
Access the full joint BVA, BSAVA, BVNA, SPVS and VMG response here.
Access further information on the CMA’s provisional decision report here.