Regulator Caps Vet Prescription Fees: Key Details and Timeline Unveiled
The Competition and Markets Authority announced legally binding reforms for UK veterinary practices on 24 March 2026. The package aims to make pricing clearer, cap prescription fees and improve complaints and billing systems.
What was announced
The CMA found the current system left many pet owners unclear about costs. It concluded practices sometimes charged high written-prescription fees and hid ownership details.
The measures will roll out over the next two years. Larger chains will follow the main timetable. Smaller providers with fewer than 15 locations get extra time on some rules.
Key deadlines and timeline
| Deadline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| By December 2026 (March 2027 for smaller providers) |
Publish clear price lists online and in practice. Display ownership information. |
| By March 2027 (September 2027 for smaller providers) |
Introduce caps on written-prescription fees. Improve complaints access. |
| By June 2027 (September 2027 for smaller providers) |
Provide itemised bills. Share pricing data for third-party comparison services. |
| By September 2027 | All practices must follow a transparent complaints process and engage in mediation when needed. |
Scope and who is affected
About 60% of UK veterinary practices belong to six large groups. The CMA found fewer than half of clients knew their practice was part of a chain. Smaller independent practices face slightly delayed deadlines.
Prescription fee caps and rules
The regulator caps vet prescription fees to limit charges for written prescriptions. From March 2027, the fee cap will be £21 for the first medicine.
Additional medicines prescribed in the same consultation will be capped at £12.50 each. Caps include VAT and will be adjusted annually for inflation.
The fee covers only the written prescription. Owners still pay separately for the medicine itself. Practices charging £30 or more per prescription were highlighted in the CMA’s findings.
Transparency on prices and ownership
By the December deadline, practices must publish price lists for standard services. Lists should include consultations, common procedures and written-prescription fees.
The CMA found under 40% of practices currently publish prices online. Practices must also disclose ownership details on websites and in clinics.
Pet care plans and cremation
Providers must explain the real value of pet care plans. Practices must show total charges, component prices and any advertised savings.
Cremation options must be clearly explained. That includes prices for individual and communal services and any extra fees for add-ons.
Complaints, billing and estimates
The CMA called the existing complaints system ineffective. By September 2027, all practices must adopt clear, accessible complaints procedures.
Mediation will be required when disputes cannot be resolved directly. Practices must provide itemised bills by June 2027.
If treatment is likely to cost £500 or more including VAT, a written estimate and itemised bill must be given unless it is an emergency. Estimates should include expected aftercare costs.
Price comparison and online medicines
Data will first appear on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet service. By June 2027, approved third parties can use the data to build comparison sites.
The CMA estimated more than 70% of pet owners could save £200 or more per year by buying long-term medicines online. Practices must tell clients that medicines may be significantly cheaper online.
If a client requests a written prescription, practices must issue it in person before the client leaves or email it within 48 hours.
Procedures to protect impartial advice
Vets will need written policies to ensure impartial cost advice. The CMA found commercial pressures sometimes affected independent advice.
Practices must document processes that prevent conflicts between clinical recommendations and commercial incentives.
Reporting by Abby Wilson for Filmogaz.com on 24 March 2026. The regulator caps vet prescription fees, and these are the key details and timeline unveiled for the sector.
