Martyn James: Shake-up for vet industry should bring down bills

So I’m thrilled to confirm that an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded – and things are about to change for the better. From transparency over prices to complaint handling, the veterinary industry is going to get a big shake-up, with changes being introduced from September 2026.

What are the new rules for vets?

The CMA looked in to a range of concerns that have been raised about vets practices, from prices to a lack of competition. Here’s what they concluded.

• Vet practices will now have to publish a comprehensive list of prices for their services, including common procedures, prescriptions, diagnostics and after life care. This is because the CMA found fewer than four in ten vet practices had price lists on their websites.
• It should become easier to compare vet practices and prices through third-party comparison sites, not unlike finding a good energy or broadband deal.
• Vet practices will have to make it clear if they are part of a larger business group or are independent businesses. This matters because a number of concerns have been raised by whistleblowers about inflated prices or unnecessary treatments by some of the big veterinary groups.
• Speaking of which, practices must have written policies in place to ensure that you are getting impartial and fair advice – which should prevent ‘upselling’ of treatments.
• If a treatment is likely to cost £500 or more, then the practice must give you a written estimate, including aftercare costs. You should always get an itemised bill too so you know what you’ve been charged for.
• You must be told about cheaper options for your pet’s prescription, for example, through an online pharmacy. The CMA found that many practices charged £30 or more for a written prescription.
• In addition, you are entitled to ask for a written prescription, and this must be capped at £21 for the first medicine or £12.50 for any additional ones.
• The unexpected costs of cremation are one aspect of veterinary treatment that causes great distress – particularly if you feel obliged to pay while grieving. Vet practices must now provide clear, upfront information about all charges, including the more affordable options and the cheaper cost of ‘communal’ cremations.

There are many more new rules too, from requiring veterinary practices to have transparent complaints processes to ensuring you can get out of unfair contracts for things like out-of-hours services much more easily. You can find a full list of the new rules on the CMA website.

What if you can’t afford vets bills or pet insurance?

Many people are struggling financially and can’t afford a top-rated insurance policy, so buy the best you can afford. Though the new rules will make it easier to find cheaper treatment, it makes sense to save a little cash every month if you can’t afford insurance. There are some great savings accounts with higher interest rates available.

There are vet advice lines and apps out there like FirstVet and Joii, which can be a good way to establish if non-emergency treatment is needed or not. There are also online pet pharmacies which can allow you to obtain drugs much cheaper than the ones on offer via the vet practice. As with online pharmacies for humans, you’ll need to do your research and make sure you understand what you are buying. Be honest with a vet about this, you don’t want to make a medication mistake.

The RSPCA may be able to offer advice and means-tested support if you need help with your pet’s medical treatment. The Blue Cross run pet food banks too (don’t forget to donate if you can afford it). And many charities supporting older people or those who may be more vulnerable can help you collect the items you need too.

Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. For more from Martyn, visit martynjamesexpert.co.uk