The Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional findings on the UK veterinary sector have prompted strong reactions across the profession and among pet owners. Many had hoped the investigation would deliver bold reform in response to widespread concerns about corporate consolidation, rising treatment costs and a lack of transparency.
With six large companies now owning around 60% of vet practices, campaigners expected tougher measures to safeguard independent clinics and protect consumer choice. Instead, some felt the review fell short, offering only limited remedies focused mainly on clearer pricing, itemised billing and greater transparency over practice ownership.
Critics argue that the CMA’s proposals do little to address the structural issues underpinning the market, and point to incidents such as independent vets’ sensitive submissions being shared with corporate competitors as evidence of how uneven the landscape has become. They believe the investigation began with real momentum, only to lose ambition after recent leadership changes at the CMA. For these voices, the outcome feels underwhelming — more administrative tweaks than meaningful reform.
However, others take a more positive view, welcoming steps towards mandatory transparency, improved complaints processes and the reinforcement of impartial clinical advice. Supporters note that the CMA recognises genuine competition concerns and has proposed enforceable requirements for practice behaviour. Some professional bodies also stress that deeper issues — such as outdated regulation — are likely to be addressed through the forthcoming consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which could bring more significant change in the long term.
With opinions divided, we’d like to hear from you. Were you satisfied with the CMA’s provisional decision, or did it leave important issues unresolved? What would you have liked the review to tackle – and what changes do you believe the sector most urgently needs?
Are you disappointed with the CMA review into vets?
Tell us what you think here, or write to editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with “Great Debate” in the subject line.
