UK watchdog launches full investigation into vet fees for pet owners

uk watchdog launches full investigation into vet fees for pet owners

The UK veterinary market is worth £2bn a year but fears are growing that large chains now dominate the sector. Photograph: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy

The UK competition regulator has launched a formal investigation into the £2bn veterinary market, over concerns that pet owners could be overpaying for medicines and are not always aware of the best treatment options available.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Thursday it was pushing ahead with a review of the sector in a move that could result in prescription fees being capped and leading pet-care chains being forced to break up.

“The message from our vets work so far has been loud and clear – many pet owners and professionals have concerns that need further investigation,” the CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said.

“We’ve heard from people who are struggling to pay vet bills, potentially overpaying for medicines and don’t always know the best treatment options available to them. We also remain concerned about the potential impact of sector consolidation and the incentives for large, integrated vet groups to act in ways which reduce consumer choice.”

The investigation will also look at whether profits earned by vets were “consistent” with the levels expected in competitive markets, and if there was any incentive or ability to limit customer choices when recommending treatments or services – particularly when vets were part of larger groups.

Overall, the regulator said the review would consider whether current rules are preventing the market from functioning as well as it could.

If it finds poor practices, the CMA said it could end up forcing firms to provide certain information to consumers, imposing a maximum cap on prescription fees, or order the sale or disposal of businesses or assets. The CMA can also recommend that the government change the regulator’s powers.

Cardell said: “While we’re aware of acute staff shortages and difficult working conditions for vets, we consider a formal market investigation is essential to ensure good outcomes for the millions of pet owners in the UK as well as professionals working in the sector. The independent inquiry group will now take this investigation forward.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets across the UK, said it had already taken action on some of the CMA’s concerns, including issuing fresh guidance to members on making their fees and ownership structures more transparent.

It also said an “urgent review” of the Veterinary Surgeons Act was needed, and said regulation of vet practices should be introduced. “As it stands, the legislation is not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients,” the BVA said.

However, the BVA raised concerns about consumers taking out frustrations on veterinary staff. “As the CMA undertakes its investigation, it’s important to remember that vets genuinely care and prioritise the health and welfare of animals – it’s often their motivation for entering what is a highly pressured profession.

“Since the CMA first announced their review, vet teams in practice have found themselves on the end of really unpleasant, often abusive behaviour. This is unacceptable and we urge everyone to remember that vets are people and are often not responsible for the pricing structures within a practice.”

Responding to the CMA’s announcement, CVS – one of the UK’s six largest corporate vet groups – said it was looking forward to updates from the CMA, but stressed it had a “clear strategy with its purpose to give the best possible care to animals and its vision to be the veterinary company people most want to work for. The group is proud of the dedication and commitment of its colleagues in providing great care to its clients and their animals.”

An initial review of the vet market by the CMA in September prompted 56,000 responses from pet owners and those working in the industry.

The CMA will now set up an inquiry group of independent experts to oversee the investigation, which will be headed by its panel chair, Martin Coleman, a former partner of the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright.

OTHER NEWS

12 minutes ago

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan confirms pill testing trial at festivals, events

15 minutes ago

Arnold Schwarzenegger Demands Action On Climate Change: “We Have To Do Whatever It Takes To Stop The Bleeding In Order To Save Our Children”

17 minutes ago

Rebuilding Paradise: Nonprofit's $500 'defensible space' grants help cut residents' insurance costs

17 minutes ago

Rugby League convert Regan Grace gets shock Wales call-up for Australia tour

17 minutes ago

Judy Murray hits out after son Andy’s ‘medical details leaked’ before Wimbledon

17 minutes ago

Zach Edey mock draft: Where will star Purdue basketball center go in 2024 NBA Draft?

17 minutes ago

ST Full-time Report: Ex-Lion out to prove Singaporean coaches’ abilities | Transmission woes mar Euro 2024 telecast

17 minutes ago

Man and 2 car passengers arrested in Boon Keng after allegedly evading nearby roadblock

17 minutes ago

Ukraine and Belgium dare not slip up as Group E on a knife edge

17 minutes ago

England teams have gone to New Zealand expecting defeat, but that is not the case this time

17 minutes ago

Zelenskiy orders purge of state guard after assassination plots

17 minutes ago

IFS: Reform UK and Green Party 'unattainable' manifesto policies 'poisons' debate

17 minutes ago

PhD historian breaks down how anti-nuclear movement drastically impacted global energy sector: 'Nuclear energy is the most misunderstood'

17 minutes ago

Made in France: How French basketball turned so many young talents into NBA players

17 minutes ago

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Ben Ainslie and Toto Wolff bringing F1 to the world of sailing

17 minutes ago

Man Utd told four urgent signings they need as Ratcliffe is told ‘gospel truth’ on failed Ten Hag transfer

17 minutes ago

Shein, Temu strike Takealot where it hurts as e-commerce giant grapples with loss

17 minutes ago

Photographer Liam Bailey on capturing 30 years of Glastonbury Festival's anarchic atmosphere

17 minutes ago

Study shows Gen Z unfamiliar with classic TV catchphrases, risking cultural loss

17 minutes ago

UK heatwave: Brits told two days this week soaring temperatures will hit 31C degrees

17 minutes ago

Gary Lineker responds to stinging Harry Kane jibe after foul-mouth England criticism

17 minutes ago

Broncos LB Cody Barton could follow Alex Singleton's career arc

17 minutes ago

Alberta oil and gas sector exceeded flaring limit in 2023, data shows

17 minutes ago

Oil reserves – do they matter?

17 minutes ago

Crucial ministerial posts cause delays as GNU partners battle to find common ground

21 minutes ago

Russia summons the American ambassador over a deadly attack that Moscow says used US-made missiles

23 minutes ago

Princess Anne is in hospital after suffering 'injuries and concussion'

23 minutes ago

Derelict house in Wexford on the market for €100,000

23 minutes ago

Princess Anne in hospital after 'incident' at royal estate

23 minutes ago

Florida firefighter kills new wife in murder-suicide after ominous Facebook post

23 minutes ago

France vs Poland TV channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 fixture online tomorrow

23 minutes ago

Prince William and Kate Middleton 'shaken to the core’ but marriage is ‘stronger than ever’

23 minutes ago

More Drama For UK Royal Family As Princess Anne Taken To Hospital

27 minutes ago

Conservative-backed group creating a list of federal workers it suspects could be hostile to Trump's policies

27 minutes ago

Stanley Cup Final Game 7 Panthers vs. Oilers: Predictions, odds, how to watch

27 minutes ago

Where is the 2024 NBA Draft being held? Location, more to know

27 minutes ago

UK woman’s nightmare cruise leads to special bond with Aussie mum, charity helping DV victims

27 minutes ago

The Deadly Flooding Tearing Through Southern China, in Photos

27 minutes ago

Mets closer Edwin Diaz ejected after foreign substance check vs. Cubs

27 minutes ago

Highs of 31C forecast for coming week as temperatures soar