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Vet fees and your rights

After an investigation that began in September 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final report on vet services on 24 March 2026 and made its legal Order on 22 September 2026. Under the Order, vet practices will have to publish prices for 36 standard services and for their most commonly sold flea, tick and worming products, give a written estimate when a treatment plan is likely to cost £500 or more including VAT (where at least a fifth of the cost is for tests or treatment not yet chosen), provide itemised bills, and, once the cap applies (late March 2027 for larger groups, late September 2027 for smaller businesses), charge no more than £21.40 for a written prescription for the first medicine and £12.70 for each extra one. Most measures are being phased in during 2026 and 2027.

General information for the UK, checked on 2026-11-09. 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 36 standard services and for their most commonly sold flea, tick and worming products
Written estimates where a treatment plan is likely to cost £500 or more, including VAT (where at least a fifth of the cost is for tests or treatment not yet chosen)
Itemised bills, so you can see what you have paid for
Prescription fees will be capped (at £21.40 for the first medicine and £12.70 for each extra one, from late March 2027 for larger groups and late September 2027 for smaller businesses), 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 made its legal Order on 22 September 2026. The duties start in stages: larger vet groups (15 or more practices) must publish price lists from late December 2026, with the prescription fee cap from late March 2027 and written estimates and itemised bills from late June 2027; smaller businesses follow in March and September 2027. Check the CMA's guidance for the exact 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, voluntary 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 a treatment plan is likely to cost £500 or more, including VAT (where at least a fifth of the cost is for tests or treatment not yet chosen). 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, in stages from late December 2026 to September 2027 under its Order of 22 September 2026.

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, voluntary mediation.

Sources

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Reviewed 2026-11-09. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.