Imagine discovering that you’ve been paying double—or even more—for your pet’s medication simply because you bought it from your vet instead of online. It’s a shocking reality for many pet owners, and now a watchdog is stepping in to demand change. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has uncovered a startling disparity in the prices of commonly prescribed pet medicines, revealing that vet practices often charge significantly more than online retailers. Since launching its investigation in 2023, the CMA has called for price caps on vet prescriptions to protect pet owners from what many would call unfair pricing.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the CMA suggests a prescription fee cap of just £16 and wants vets to actively inform pet owners about potential savings by purchasing medicines online. This proposal has sparked debate, as some argue it could strain the vet-client relationship, while others applaud it as a necessary step toward transparency. The CMA also highlights that pet owners pay, on average, 16.6% more at large vet groups compared to independent practices—a gap that raises questions about corporate influence in the sector.
And this is the part most people miss: the CMA’s report criticizes the current regulatory system for failing to oversee vet businesses, focusing instead only on individual professionals. This oversight has allowed large corporate groups to dominate the market, often at the expense of pet owners’ wallets. Among the 21 proposed measures are requirements for vet businesses to publish detailed price lists, simplify access to cheaper online medicines, and provide clear pricing for treatments over £500—changes that could empower pet owners to make informed decisions.
Martin Coleman, chair of the inquiry group, summed it up bluntly: ‘Pet owners are often left in the dark, unsure whether their vet is independent or part of a chain, and without a clear understanding of fair pricing.’ He emphasized that many pet owners commit to costly treatments without knowing the full price upfront and hesitate to explore online options, even when it could save them hundreds of pounds. The CMA’s proposals aim to eliminate this confusion, but will they go far enough? Firms have until 12 November to respond to the provisional decision, with a final ruling expected in March.
Here’s the burning question: Should vets be required to prioritize transparency and affordability, even if it means shifting how they operate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that affects millions of pet owners and their furry friends.
