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Vet fees and your rights
After a two-year investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final decision on vet services on 24 March 2026. Vet practices will have to publish standard price lists, give written estimates for treatment likely to cost £500 or more, provide itemised bills and cap prescription fees. Most measures are being phased in during 2026 and 2027.
General information for the UK, checked on 2026-09-23. It is not legal or veterinary advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, your local council or a vet.
What is changing
- Price lists: practices must publish prices for standard services and common medicines
- Written estimates where treatment is likely to cost £500 or more, including VAT
- Itemised bills, so you can see what you have paid for
- Prescription fees will be capped, making it easier to buy medicines elsewhere
- Ownership: practices must show whether they belong to a large group
- Complaints: practices must have clear complaints processes
The CMA sets out the detail in a legal order, and most measures take effect in the months after it is made. Check the CMA's guidance for the latest dates.
Your rights now
A vet practice provides a service, so under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 it must use reasonable care and skill. Where no price was agreed in advance, you only have to pay a reasonable price. You can ask for a written prescription and buy medicines from another supplier, although a prescription fee may apply.
How to complain
- Raise it with the practice first, in writing
- If it is not resolved, the Veterinary Client Mediation Service offers free mediation
- Concerns about a vet's professional conduct can go to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Frequently asked questions
Do vets have to give a written estimate?
Under the CMA's reforms, vets must give a written estimate where treatment is likely to cost £500 or more, including VAT. You can always ask for an estimate before agreeing to treatment.
Can I buy my pet's medicines somewhere else?
Yes. You can ask your vet for a written prescription and buy the medicine from another supplier. The CMA is capping prescription fees.
When do the new vet fee rules start?
The CMA published its final decision on 24 March 2026 and is phasing in the measures through a legal order, mostly over the following 3 to 12 months.
How do I complain about a vet bill?
Complain to the practice in writing first. If it is not resolved, the Veterinary Client Mediation Service offers free mediation.
Sources
- GOV.UK / CMA: What vets need to do following the CMA's final report
- British Veterinary Association: the CMA investigation
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk)
Related guides
- Buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights
- Foods and plants that are toxic to dogs and cats
- Dogs: care, health, law and costs
- Cats: care, health, law and costs
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.