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4d ago

CMA Proposes Temporary Price Caps and Transparency Rules for UK Veterinary Sector

The regulator's working paper outlines measures to address overcharging, improve pricing transparency, and examine market consolidation in response to widespread consumer complaints.

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An initial review prompted an “unprecedented” 56,000 responses from pet owners, who fear they may be overpaying for medicines

Overview

  • The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering short-term caps on veterinary medicine mark-ups and cremation fees to stabilize costs for pet owners.
  • Proposed measures include mandatory online and in-practice price displays for prescriptions, medicines, treatments, and other veterinary services.
  • The CMA is investigating how financial incentives and corporate ownership may influence treatment recommendations and limit clinical freedom.
  • The regulator raised concerns about the impact of market consolidation, with corporate groups now owning 60% of UK veterinary practices, up from 10% a decade ago.
  • Consumer advocacy group Which? supports the measures, emphasizing the need for greater transparency to help pet owners access affordable and necessary care.