BSAVA, BVA, BVNA, VMG and SPVS issue joint response from the veterinary professions to Competition and Markets Authority consultation

12 April 2024

Following an initial review of the UK veterinary services market for pets, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is a proposing to launch a Market Investigation Reference.

Alongside the British Veterinary Association, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), we have submitted a joint response to the consultation.

The joint submission provides further evidence to the CMA’s investigation of potential concerns, and is clear that certain voluntary measures relating to transparency of fees and ownership could be implemented swiftly and effectively prior to the conclusion of a market investigation.

Carl Gorman, BSAVA President said: “Pending the CMA’s decision on whether to launch a market investigation into the veterinary services market for pet animals, BSAVA has been active with other veterinary associations to represent our members. We have appraised the CMA of the challenges that the profession has faced in recent years, the excellent service provided to pets and clients by veterinary surgeons, and the greater expectations from clients wherever more sophisticated diagnostics and therapeutics are available. We also recognise the opportunity to improve transparency for clients, and in particular to stress the need for a new and updated Veterinary Surgeons Act which we believe any investigation will highlight.”

Further Information

Previous information on the CMA review can be found here: https://www.bsava.com/article/competition-markets-authority-report-on-review-of-the-veterinary-sector/.

Further information on the joint submission by veterinary associations to the CMA’s Review in September can be accessed via the following link: https://www.bsava.com/article/joint-submission-to-cma-review/

BSAVA has produced resources to support veterinary staff in practice explain veterinary costs, manage cases on a budget and help clients manage the cost of veterinary care for their pet. Access the following background information and relevant resources via the following link https://www.bsava.com/resources/resources-for-practice/other-resources/.

For quick access to the BSAVA explainer on Veterinary Costs Access the PDF here. and for assets intended to manage Veterinary medicine on a budget Access the PDF here.