Veterinary services for household pets
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-04)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is conducting a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets.

Administrative timetable

Provisional findings

15 October 2025: The CMA has published its provisional decision in its market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK. We have provisionally found competition concerns in these markets.

Read our short guide for vets and vet nurses to understand the CMA’s provisional decision in its vets market investigation (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-the-cmas-provisional-decision-in-its-vets-market-investigation).

We also held a webinar for veterinary professionals (https://connect.cma.gov.uk/webinar-understanding-cma-provisional-decision-vets-market-investigation) to help them understand the provisional decision, and what the proposed remedies mean for them.
- Press release: Major reforms would require vet businesses to make fundamental changes to the way they support pet owners (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-reforms-would-require-vet-businesses-to-make-fundamental-changes-to-the-way-they-support-pet-owners) (15.10.25)
- Consultation on provisional decision (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vets-market-investigation-consultation-on-provisional-decision) (15.10.25)
- Summary of provisional decision (PDF, 293KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69020040bdb1ef2270a1d0e6/Summary_of_provisional_decision_29_October_1.pdf)(15.10.25)
- Notice of provisional decision (PDF, 196KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6901ffce71b575684c3cf7c8/Notice_of_provisional_decision_29_October_1.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Provisional findings - part A (competition concerns) (PDF, 3.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69020088e6e3290939a1d0dd/Provisional_Findings_Part_A_29_October_2025__2_.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Provisional decision report - part B (remedies) (PDF, 2.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efbe5d82670806f9d5e112/Provisional_decision_report_-_part_B.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix A: Local concentration analysis and barriers to entry and expansion (PDF, 233KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef75a58427701993d5e0d3/Appendix_A_-_Local_concentration_analysis_and_barriers_to_entry_and_expansion.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix B: Impact of corporate acquisitions on treatment costs (PDF, 3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef75c32adc28a81b4ad0d2/Appendix_B_-_Impact_of_corporate_acquisitions_on_treatment_costs.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix C: Financial and profitability analysis (PDF, 2.1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68fa2b69b3e33205c4e6f025/Appendix_C_-_Financial_and_profitability_analysis_.pdf) (23.10.25)
- Appendix D: Cost of capital (PDF, 439KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68fa2bbc35dbb2bcedb5f93c/Appendix_D_-_cost_of_capital_technical_appendix_.pdf) (23.10.25)
- Appendix E: Other supporting evidence on market outcomes (PDF, 217KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efbbf482670806f9d5e10e/Appendix_E_-_Other_supporting_evidence_on_market_outcomes.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix F: Supporting evidence on competition between FOPs (PDF, 369KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efa22da8398380cb4ad103/Appendix_F_-_Supporting_evidence_on_competition_between_FOPs.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix G: Whether LVG pet care plans provide value for money (PDF, 193KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef75da8427701993d5e0d5/Appendix_G_-_Whether_LVG_pet_care_plans_provide_value_for_money.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix H: Supporting evidence for section 10, choice of treatments and referrals (PDF, 273KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efbca1a8398380cb4ad129/Appendix_H_-_Supporting_evidence_for_section_10__choice_of_treatments_and_referrals.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix I: Supporting evidence for Section 11, Veterinary medicines (PDF, 376KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efbc1782670806f9d5e10f/Appendix_I_-_Supporting_evidence_for_Section_11__Veterinary_medicines.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix J: Regulation of veterinary medicines (PDF, 482KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efbc39e7b6794c076bbedf/Appendix_J_-_Regulation_of_veterinary_medicines.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix K: Limited Service Providers (PDF, 231KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef7604a8398380cb4ad0da/Appendix_K_-_Limited_Service_Providers.pdf) (15.10.25)
- Appendix L: Cremations pricing, mark-ups and costs (PDF, 255KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68efa24ce7b6794c076bbec1/Appendix_L_-_Cremations_pricing__mark-ups_and_costs.pdf)(15.10.25)
- Glossary (PDF, 195KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef76f382670806f9d5e0ce/Glossary.pdf) (15.10.25)
Supporting you and your pet: new proposals from the CMA

Frequently asked questions (YouTube) (https://youtu.be/xDMzRFtZ3gE)

Responses to remedies working paper

15 October 2025: The CMA has published responses to the remedies working paper on the consultation page (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vets-market-investigation-remedies-working-paper).

Publication date of provisional decision

13 October 2025: The CMA intends to publish the provisional decision in its market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK on Wednesday 15 October 2025. The provisional decision will be available on this case page once published.

Extension of market investigation

10 June 2025: The CMA has today decided to extend the statutory deadline for the market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK by 6 months.
- Extension notice (PDF, 178KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6846e62357f3515d9611f115/___Extension_notice_.pdf) (10.6.25)
The CMA has also published a blog addressing concerns in the veterinary sector (https://competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/10/addressing-concerns-in-the-veterinary-sector) by the Inquiry Chair, Martin Coleman, explaining the reasons behind the decision.

Hearing summaries
- Summary of hearing with BVA, BVNA, BSAVA and FIVP (PDF, 114KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682479ae7293a87b6c75ebf7/_Summary_of_hearing_with_BVA__BVNA__BSAVA_and_FIVP_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with CVS (PDF, 118KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682479c27293a87b6c75ebf8/Summary_of_hearing_with_CVS_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with IVC (PDF, 113KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682479d4ffcd6ecfbf1ab84a/Summary_of_hearing_with_IVC_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with Linnaeus (PDF, 110KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682479e5ab96d4ed0b262ed1/Summary_of_hearing_with_Linnaeus_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with Medivet (PDF, 111KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682479f6b296b83ad5262ed8/Summary_of_hearing_with_Medivet_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with Pets at Home (PDF, 113KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68259b357293a87b6c75ec7d/Summary_of_hearing_with_Pets_at_Home_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with RCVS (PDF, 110KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68247a047293a87b6c75ebfa/Summary_of_hearing_with_RCVS_.pdf) (15.5.25)
- Summary of hearing with VetPartners (PDF, 113KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68247a14b9226dd8e81ab846/Summary_of_hearing_with_VetPartners__.pdf) (15.5.25)
Responses to working papers published on 6 February 2025
- AMTRA (PDF, 189KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135ea511b82a7ac0999e6b/AMTRA.pdf) (1.5.25)
- BVA BSAVA BVNA SPVS VMG (PDF, 1.5MB0 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135ef211b82a7ac0999e70/BVA_BSAVA_BVNA_SPVS_VMG.pdf) (1.5.25)
- BVRA (PDF, 229KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135f09ee9d78cbe6011819/BVRA.pdf) (1.5.25)
- CVS (PDF, 612KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135f1aee9d78cbe601181a/CVS.pdf) (1.5.25)
- FIVP (PDF, 123KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135f345966d01801999e6a/FIVP_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- IVC (PDF, 1.8MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135f4aee9d78cbe601181b/IVC.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Linnaeus (PDF, 1.1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135fbe5966d01801999e6b/Linnaeus.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Linnaeus Annex 1 (PDF, 249KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135f7270b095d0d701181f/Linnaeus_Annex_1.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Linnaeus Annex 2 (PDF, 366KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135fac7e56aaab3b525405/Linnaeus_Annex_2.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Marlowe Partners (PDF, 194KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135fd65966d01801999e6c/Marlowe_Partners.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Medivet (PDF, 977KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135fffee9d78cbe601181c/Medivet.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Medivet Annex (PDF, 473KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68135feb70b095d0d7011820/Medivet_Annex.pdf) (1.5.25)
- NOAH (PDF, 298KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813603c5966d01801999e6e/NOAH.pdf) (1.5.25)
- NVS (PDF, 326KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68136052ee9d78cbe601181d/NVS.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Pets at Home (PDF, 946KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68136069ee9d78cbe601181e/Pets_at_Home.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Petscribers (PDF, 117KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813607db0ef2c9850525409/Petscribers.pdf) (1.5.25)
- RAMP (PDF, 93KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813608f7e56aaab3b525407/RAMP.pdf) (1.5.25)
- RCVS Knowledge (PDF, 200KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681360a270b095d0d7011821/RCVS_Knowledge.pdf) (1.5.25)
- RCVS (PDF, 4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681360b77e56aaab3b525408/RCVS.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Reader & Summers (PDF, 540KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681360c711b82a7ac0999e71/Reader___Summers.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Respondent A (PDF, 169KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681360da5966d01801999e6f/Respondant_A.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Respondent B (PDF, 276KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681397b770b095d0d701186f/Respondent_B.pdf) (1.5.25)
- RVC (PDF, 173KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681360f1b0ef2c985052540a/RVC.pdf) (1.5.25)
- The Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813610111b82a7ac0999e72/The_Centre_for_Evidence-based_Veterinary_Medicine.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VCMS (PDF, 709KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68136114b0ef2c985052540b/VCMS.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Veterinary practice A (PDF, 260KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813612811b82a7ac0999e73/Veterinary_practice_A.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Veterinary practice B (PDF, 254KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813614170b095d0d7011824/Veterinary_practice_B.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VetPartners - Analysis of Local Competition (PDF, 204KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361745966d01801999e70/VetPartners_-_Analysis_of_Local_Competition.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VetPartners - Business Models, Provision of Veterinary Advice and Consumer Choice (PDF, 416KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361867e56aaab3b525409/VetPartners_-_Business_Models__Provision_of_Veterinary_Advice_and_Consumer_Choice.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VetPartners - Competition in the Supply of Veterinary Medicines (PDF, 384KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813619cb0ef2c985052540c/VetPartners_-_Competition_in_the_Supply_of_Veterinary_Medicines.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VetPartners - How People Purchase Veterinary Services (PDF, 320KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361b4b0ef2c985052540d/VetPartners_-_How_People_Purchase_Veterinary_Services.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VetPartners - Regulatory Framework for Veterinary Professionals and Veterinary Services (PDF, 260KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361cb11b82a7ac0999e74/VetPartners_-_Regulatory_Framework_for_Veterinary_Professionals_and_Veterinary_Services.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VMD (PDF, 116KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361deb0ef2c985052540f/VMD.pdf) (1.5.25)
- VSC (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681361ee11b82a7ac0999e75/VSC.pdf) (1.5.25)
- XLVet UK Ltd (PDF, 149KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813620170b095d0d7011825/XLVet_UK_Ltd.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Zoetis (PDF, 158KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68136215b0ef2c9850525410/Zoetis.pdf) (1.5.25)
Remedies working paper

1 May 2025: The CMA published a working paper (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vets-market-investigation-remedies-working-paper#documents) outlining potential remedies linked to the CMA’s market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK. The purpose of this working paper is to consult with vet businesses, veterinary professionals and other interested parties on the likely impact of the remedies we are considering.

Inquiry Chair speech

21 March 2025: The CMA Inquiry Chair, Martin Coleman provided an update on the market investigation in a speech delivered at the BSAVA Congress.
- Vets Market Investigation: An Update from the Inquiry Chair (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/vets-market-investigation-an-update-from-the-inquiry-chair) (21.3.25)
Working papers

6 Feburary 2025: The CMA has published a series of working papers, setting out our current assessment of the evidence we have gathered and our emerging views.

Overview (PDF, 269KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e65108d82b458c553ce9/_Overview_of_working_papers.pdf) (6.2.25)

How people purchase veterinary services (PDF, 1.4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e676567402152f553cc3/How_people_purchase_veterinary_services_-_Demand.pdf) (6.2.25)

Business models, provision of veterinary advice and consumer choice (PDF, 1.1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e6f9ad556423b636cae3/A_-_Business_models__provision_of_veterinary_advice_and_consumer_choice_-_National.pdf) (6.2.25)

Competition in the supply of veterinary medicines (PDF, 928KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e6ba08d82b458c553cea/Competition_in_the_supply_of_veterinary_medicines.pdf) (6.2.25)

Regulatory framework for veterinary professionals and veterinary services (PDF, 1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e6df7da1f1ac64e5ff30/Regulatory_framework_for_veterinary_professionals_and_veterinary_services.pdf) (6.2.25)

Analysis of local competition (PDF, 759KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3e7177da1f1ac64e5ff31/Analysis_of_local_competition.pdf) (6.2.25)

External research papers

Qualitative research with veterinary professionals by Revealing Reality (PDF, 1.4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3a94ead556423b636cae1/Qual_Market_Research_Report_-_Revealing_Reality.pdf) (6.2.25)

Vet users survey final report by Accent (PDF, 2.4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a3aae008d82b458c553ce8/Quant_Market_Research_Report___Accent.pdf) (6.2.25)

Accent user survey Q136 free text replies (PDF, 391KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a46199567402152f553cc7/Q136_free_text_replies.pdf) (6.2.25)

Accent vet user research data tables (XLSX, 9.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a4b0c581828dd65c16a823/_ACCENT_VET_USER_RESEARCH_FINAL_CODED_TABS.xlsx) (6.2.25)

Accent vet user research dataset (XLSX, 5.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a463dead556423b636cae6/2._ACCENT_VET_USER_RESEARCH_FINAL_DATA.xlsx) (6.2.25)

Accent vet user research dataset (CSV, 15.6MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67a463f3b74b3d9dfe36cacf/3._ACCENT_VET_USER_RESEARCH_FINAL_DATA.csv) (6.2.25)

Responses to working paper: approach to profitability and financial analysis
- Respondent A (PDF, 95KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769e989d03f12136308d16/A_Veterinary_Practice__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Joint response: BVA, BSAVA, BVNA, SPVS, VMG (PDF, 330KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769eb46a79200ddfa21b94/BVA_BSAVA_BVNA_SPVS_VMG__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- CVS (PDF, 130KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769ed602c3076590308d12/CVS__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- CVS annex (PDF, 494KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769ef14961c1185ea21b84/CVS_annex__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) (PDF, 120KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769f356a79200ddfa21b95/FIVP__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- IVC Evidensia (PDF, 448KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769f666a79200ddfa21b96/IVC__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Linnaeus (PDF, 403KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769f83e8ca4d66bc4c949c/Linnaeus__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Medivet (PDF, 233KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769f9ae8ca4d66bc4c949d/Medivet__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Medivet annex (PDF, 173KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769fc1e8ca4d66bc4c949e/Medivet_annex__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Moore Scarrott Veterinary (PDF, 133KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769fdc6a79200ddfa21b97/Moore_Scarrott_Veterinary__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Pets at Home (PDF, 601KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67769ffae8ca4d66bc4c949f/PAH__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (PDF, 179KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6776a030e8ca4d66bc4c94a0/RCVS__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Tweedy Browne (PDF, 231KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6776a04ae8ca4d66bc4c94a1/Tweedy_Browne__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
- Vet Partners (PDF, 225KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6776a08b6c34906cc84c9490/VetPartners__3.1.25_.pdf) (3.1.25)
Summaries of roundtable discussions

4 December 2024: The CMA Inquiry Group and case team have held a series of roundtables to assist in our understanding of the market for veterinary services for household pets in the UK. Summaries of those roundtables are published here.
- Summary of academic roundtable discussions (PDF, 130KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efa5b34a339921747cfe2/Summary_of_academic_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of animal charity roundtable discussions (PDF, 121KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efa71339c7d42405da94e/Summary_of_animal_charity_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of consumer roundtable discussions (PDF, 134KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efa8734a339921747cfe3/Summary_of_consumer_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of Edinburgh roundtable discussions (PDF, 130KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efaa08b522bba9d991ab2/Summary_of_Edinburgh_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of Manchester roundtable discussions (PDF, 147KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efabd26364a399a991ab2/Summary_of_Manchester_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of Swansea roundtable discussions (PDF, 122KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efad234a339921747cfe4/Summary_of_Swansea_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of vet nurses roundtable discussions (PDF, 151KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efaeb7cbc7f3d295da950/Summary_of_vet_nurses_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of vet students and new graduates roundtable discussions (PDF, 129KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efb067cbc7f3d295da952/Summary_of_vet_students_and_new_graduates_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of vets who recently set up a practice roundtable discussions (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efb418b522bba9d991ab3/Summary_of_vets_who_recently_set_up_a_practice_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
- Summary of vets who work at large corporate groups roundtable discussions (PDF, 125KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/674efb5a26364a399a991ab3/Summary_of_vets_who_work_at_large_corporate_groups_roundtable_discussions.pdf) (4.12.24)
Inquiry Chair speech

15 November 2024: The CMA Inquiry Chair, Martin Coleman provided an update on the market investigation in a speech delivered at the BVA Congress at the London Vet Show.
- Vets Market Investigation update from the Inquiry Chair (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/vets-market-investigation-update-from-the-inquiry-chair) (15.11.24)
Approach to profitability and financial analysis

1 November 2024: The CMA has published a working paper setting out how it plans to carry out profitability and financial analysis. It explains our proposed methodology, including the time period we plan to examine, what measures of profitability we intend to assess, and how we will examine the profitability of different providers of veterinary services.

The deadline for comments is 5pm on Friday 22 November 2024.
- Working paper (PDF, 599KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6723a223c3b359df50565598/Working_paper.pdf) (1.11.24)
Appointment of veterinary advisory panel

25 September 2024: To assist in the market investigation the CMA Inquiry Group have appointed two veterinary nurses and four veterinary surgeons to our veterinary advisory panel. The purpose of the advisory panel is to provide the Group with insight and analysis on an ad hoc basis on matters relating to practising as a veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon.

Appointees to the CMA’s veterinary advisory panel (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66f276f753d61b1b433ee2fa/Appointees_to_the_CMA_s_veterinary_advisory_panel.pdf) (25.9.24)

Press release: Vets Market Investigation: CMA updates on ‘behind the scenes’ progress (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vets-market-investigation-cma-updates-on-behind-the-scenes-progress) (25.9.24)

Consumer survey

Draft consumer survey invitation letter

16 October 2024: The CMA has published a draft consumer survey invitation letter. The deadline for comments is midday on Tuesday 22 October 2024.

Draft consumer survey invitation letter notice (PDF, 97KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670e62df92bb81fcdbe7b857/Draft_consumer_survey_invitation_letter_notice.pdf) (16.10.24)

Draft consumer survey invitation letter (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/670f8d8d92bb81fcdbe7b90a/Draft_consumer_survey_invitation_letter.pdf) (16.10.24)

Draft consumer survey

16 September 2024: The CMA published documents for comment in relation to a consumer survey. The deadline for comments on the draft questionnaire below was 11am on Monday 23 September 2024.

Draft questionnaire notice (PDF, 96KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7eaf03f1299ce5d5c3ef9/Draft_questionnaire_notice.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)

Draft questionnaire (PDF, 261KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7dc14718edd81771317cb/Draft_questionnaire.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)

Responses to issues statement
- Respondent A (PDF, 560KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67862a0af0528401055d2379/Respondent_A_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) (PDF, 294KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5a5ddcb0757928e5bd3e/Animal_Medicines_Training_Regulatory_Authority__AMTRA_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) (PDF, 142KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5a6aaa76bec3fccc3870/Assistance_Dogs_UK__ADUK__.pdf) (20.8.24)
- AURA (PDF, 1,173KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5a7d885e2bf285cc387f/AURA.pdf) (20.8.24)
- British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5a8daa76bec3fccc3871/British_Equine_Veterinary_Association__BEVA_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- BVA BSAVA SPVS VMG (PDF, 276KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5aa23263567d66dbe01d/BVA_BSAVA_SPVS_VMG.pdf) (20.8.24)
- BVNA (PDF, 235KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5ab1885e2bf285cc3880/BVNA.pdf) (20.8.24)
- CVS (PDF, 187KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678629bfc6428e013188173f/CVS_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- David Reader and Scott Summers (PDF, 438KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5ae2a44f1c4c23e5bd3a/David_Reader_and_Scott_Summers.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Dogs Trust (PDF, 163KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5afbaa76bec3fccc3875/Dogs_Trust.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) (PDF, 202KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5b08885e2bf285cc3882/A._Federation_of_Independent_Veterinary_Practices__FIVP_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- IVC Evidensia (PDF, 347KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5b21aa76bec3fccc3876/IVC_Evidensia.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Linnaeus (PDF, 275KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678629dc3ef063b15dca0f38/Linnaeus_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Medivet (PDF, 338KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678629f5f041702a11ca0f2a/Medivet_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) (PDF, 330KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5b52253aee7aafdbe007/National_Office_of_Animal_Health__NOAH_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Naturewatch Foundation (PDF, 303KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5b80a44f1c4c23e5bd3b/Naturewatch_Foundation.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Pets at Home (PAH) (PDF, 452KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5ba0a44f1c4c23e5bd3c/Pets_at_Home__PAH_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- RCVS Knowledge (PDF, 359KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5baf3263567d66dbe01e/RCVS_Knowledge_July.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) (PDF, 410KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5bd4253aee7aafdbe008/Royal_College_of_Veterinary_Surgeons__RCVS_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Snoots (PDF, 204KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5be4a44f1c4c23e5bd3e/Snoots.pdf) (20.8.24)
- VetAI (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5bf2885e2bf285cc3885/VetAI.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS) (PDF, 303KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5c02253aee7aafdbe009/Veterinary_Client_Mediation_Service__VCMS_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Vet Partners (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67862a29c6428e0131881740/VetPartners_.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Voy Vet Cinic (PDF, 245KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5c243263567d66dbe021/Voy_Vet_Cinic.pdf) (20.8.24)
- Which (PDF, 86KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf5c34885e2bf285cc3886/Which.pdf) (20.8.24)
Issues statement

9 July 2024: The issues statement sets out initial theories on what might be affecting competition, potential remedies and how we intend to approach our investigation. Parties are invited to provide submissions commenting on the issues and possible remedies. The deadline for submissions is 30 July 2024.
- Issues statement (PDF, 327KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668cc8b84a94d44125d9cece/Issues_Statement.pdf) (9.7.24)
- Glossary (PDF, 195KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ef76f382670806f9d5e0ce/Glossary.pdf) (updated 6.2.25)
Frequently asked questions (YouTube) (https://youtu.be/aloKktQO4z0?si=GD-JrwQdKfNDV6Xi)

Inquiry group appointed

23 May 2024: The CMA appointed the inquiry group on 23 May 2024.

Martin Coleman (Inquiry Chair) (https://www.gov.uk/government/people/martin-coleman), Humphrey Battcock (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#humphrey-battcock), Robin Cohen (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#robin-cohen), Susan Hankey (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#susan-hankey), and Keith Richards (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#keith-richards).

Board steer

23 May 2024: The CMA Board’s advisory steer to the inquiry group can be found below:
- Board advisory steer (PDF, 130KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664df56fae748c43d3794062/Board_Advisory_Steer.pdf) (23.5.24)
Terms of reference

23 May 2024: The terms of reference for the CMA’s investigation can be found below:
- Terms of reference (PDF, 78KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664df599f34f9b5a56adcc84/Terms_of_reference_1.pdf) (23.5.24)
Case opened

23 May 2024: The CMA has decided to refer the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom for a market investigation.
- Press notice: CMA presses ahead with full investigation into vets market (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-presses-ahead-with-full-investigation-into-vets-market) (23.5.24)
Responses to the consultation

23 May 2024: The responses to the consultation on a proposal to make a market investigation reference can be found below:
- Consultation on the proposal to make a market investigation reference into veterinary services for household pets in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk)
Consumer tips

23 May 2024: The CMA’s consumer tips can be found below:
- Choosing a vet practice and treatments for your pet (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/choosing-a-vet-practice-and-treatments-for-your-pet)
Market investigation reference

23 May 2024: The final report of the consultation and decision to make a market investigation reference can be found below:
- Final report of the consultation (PDF, 627KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664e0ef8ae748c43d37940a4/__Final_report_of_the_consultation____.pdf) (23.5.24)
CMA launches investigation into the veterinary sector video (YouTube) (https://youtu.be/2L18BrASmXk?si=DKJifZSEy3a0Cq4w)

Consultation on a market investigation reference

12 March 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published an update report and consulted on whether to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK. Having considered responses to the consultation, the CMA has decided to make a market investigation reference into the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom.

The consultation closed at 5pm on 11 April 2024.

The CMA also published a report of market research commissioned during the market review.

Consultation on the proposal to make a market investigation reference into veterinary services for household pets in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk) (12.3.24)

Qualitative Research on Pet Owners’ Experiences of Buying Veterinary Services in the UK (PDF, 791KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65eedd9d62ff4898bf87b261/Qualitative_Research_on_Pet_Owners__Experiences_of_Buying_Veterinary_Services_in_the_UK.pdf) (12.3.24)

Press notice: CMA identifies multiple concerns in UK vets market (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-identifies-multiple-concerns-in-vets-market) (12.3.24)

Call for information

On 7 September 2023: the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a call for information inviting pet owners, people who work in veterinary practices and people who supply products and services to the veterinary services market to share their thoughts on the veterinary market for pets.

This call for information was open for a period of six weeks.
- Press notice: CMA launches review of vet sector (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-launches-review-of-vet-sector) (7.9.23)
Timetable

The consultation period closed at 5pm on 11 April 2024.

In a market investigation, an inquiry group is the independent panel that is required to decide whether there is a prevention, restriction, or distortion of competition. The phases of a market investigation are subject to statutory time limits. The CMA must generally conclude a market investigation in 18 months and implement remedies in six months.

Contact

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We are carrying out this work under section 5 of the Enterprise Act 2002, which gives the CMA the power to obtain, compile and keep under review information about matters relating to its functions.