The BSAVA welcomes the conclusion of the CMA investigation into the veterinary sector

24 March 2026

The BSAVA, the representative body of small animal veterinary professionals in practice, is broadly supportive of the CMA report outlining its final recommendations and remedies which together are intended to transform the veterinary market.

The BSAVA will look at the detail of the final report and will work through relevant actions and processes to support the sector deliver better outcomes for its members, veterinary professionals, pets and owners.

BSAVA President Julian Hoad said:

“The BSAVA welcomes the final report of the CMA and supports many of the remedies and recommendations made which largely reflect the feedback we provided.  These include greater transparency around practice ownership, price lists and estimates for treatments and, a more reasonable approach to prescription fees which reflects a professional responsibility that should not be taken lightly or undervalued.

“We know that individual vets work incredibly hard, act ethically and care about animal welfare and so the BSAVA absolutely supports calls made by the CMA that pet owners don’t vent their frustrations on our professionals.

“The BSAVA has long advocated on behalf of its veterinary nurse members and indeed the wider veterinary nursing profession to protect the veterinary nurse title and the expanded range of tasks they can undertake. It is therefore heartening to see the CMA also being supportive of these initiatives.

“We recognise that there is more to be done before the reforms can be implemented but our members, and indeed the wider profession, can be assured that we will continue to fully engage in the process.”

The CMA remedies mainly apply to veterinary businesses as opposed to individual professionals however, changes may be seen that impact the workplace such as additional information being required to be provided to clients about treatment costs or options. Businesses will also be required to have written policies and processes in place to ensure that vets and vet nurses are able to act in line with relevant parts of the RCVS Codes and Guidance.

Next steps

The next stage gives the CMA six months to put in place legally binding orders which should be in place by September. Once these orders are made, nearly all remedies will be in place within the following 3 to 12 months. For most of the remedies, smaller veterinary businesses will have three months longer to implement the proposed changes than larger businesses.

The BSAVA will work through relevant actions and processes to support the sector deliver better outcomes for its members, veterinary professionals, pets and owners.

For further information, please access the following: https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/veterinary-services-market-for-pets-review#final-report