Major UK change for millions of pet owners as new 21 vet prescription cap confirmed

The Competition and Markets Authority has announced major reforms for the veterinary sector including a 21 cap on first prescriptions and mandatory price transparency to help millions of UK pet owners

Simon Hamalienko Publishing Lead and Lauran O'Toole

07:50, 24 Mar 2026

A vet prescription cap is being introduced this year (stock)(Image: Maskot via Getty Images)

Vets will be legally obliged to cap prescription charges and display price lists amongst fresh measures which will begin taking effect later this year, the competition watchdog has revealed. The price ceiling means pet owners will face a maximum of 21 for their initial prescription and 12.50 for any subsequent medications.

The Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) final reforms for the industry will assist pet owners in better understanding the veterinary services market, it stated. This follows the CMA's discovery that pet owners were being overcharged for commonly prescribed medicines from veterinary practices. Additional legally binding requirements will encompass a price comparison website and compulsory branding by major vet groups to enhance competition and reduce costs.

The transformation follows a thorough investigation by the regulator, which discovered prices had been climbing at almost double the inflation rate.

[Pet owner stroking his old cat and dog together]

Vets will be legally bound to cap prescription fees from September (stock)(Image: Getty)

Average costs of veterinary services rocketed by 63% between 2016 and 2023. The fresh regulations will be legally enforced from September 23.

Under the restructuring, vets must make it transparent whether they belong to a chain or operate as an independent practice, achievable through in-store signage or online displays, reports the Express.

Pet owners utilising a veterinary practice that forms part of a larger organisation can anticipate seeing standardised price lists. A written estimate will be mandatory for any treatment projected to exceed 500 alongside an itemised invoice.

[Brown dog sore eye, which is treated in the veterinary clinic.]

It comes after costs skyrocketing by 63% (stock)(Image: Sebastian Condrea via Getty Images)

Emergencies will be the sole exemption to this requirement. Martin Coleman, chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority's independent inquiry group, stated: "This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today's reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.

"Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices - even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.

"Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.

"Our changes put pet owners at the centre but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgment from undue commercial pressure - and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care."

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