The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a £21 cap on prescription charges for veterinary medicines, aiming to enhance competition in the £6.7 billion industry. This final decision increases the proposed £16 maximum from October, addressing concerns over opaque pricing where current charges range from £10 to over £30. The CMA found that prices at five major chains (Medivet, IVC, CVS, VetPartners, Linnaeus) were 18.3% higher than independents between 2023-2024 for consultations and treatments. Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry, stated the system leaves pet owners 'in the dark' about costs, often running into thousands of pounds, and fails to hold large businesses accountable.

The reforms also mandate written estimates for treatments over £500 and clearer ownership disclosures. While CVS and IVC welcomed the reforms, VetPartners and Linnaeus did not immediately comment. RBC analyst Charles Weston noted investors should feel 'relieved' as controls beyond prescription fees are minimal, expecting reduced complexity for companies.