CMA publishes final Orders: what happens next?
On Tuesday 22 September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final Orders, bringing its three-year investigation into the UK veterinary services market for household pets to a close. Veterinary businesses must now prepare to comply with remedies intended to improve transparency and choice for pet owners and remove barriers to competition.
SPVS has been closely involved throughout the investigation, providing evidence, practical insight and feedback on the effect of the proposed remedies on veterinary practices. Our CMA Working Group contributed to discussions and formal hearings on pricing, transparency, prescription medicines, client choice and practice finances. Working with the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), we also presented research and financial modelling showing the particular challenges faced by independent practices.
A key focus of our representations was the time practices would need to implement the changes properly. We pressed for longer implementation periods and for the deadlines to reflect the different resources available to independent practices and large veterinary groups. The final Orders provide later implementation dates for independent practices than for large veterinary groups — an important outcome that gives smaller businesses more time to prepare.
SPVS also raised concerns about the proposed wording of client-facing posters and flyers, including how it could be interpreted and used in practice. Our feedback helped inform changes to the CMA’s approach in the final Orders.
The CMA’s final Orders, explanatory note and all supporting documents are available on the CMA’s veterinary services market investigation page HERE
The downloadable document HERE shows the final Orders in detail – Please note the section on Compliance (pages 18-20) which now gives specific deadlines to work to – independent practices being given c.3 months longer than LVGs for implementation.
Supporting practices through implementation
With the final Orders published, SPVS will continue to help members understand the requirements and make workable changes in their practices. Our wider focus is to help practices build the resilience to adapt as the veterinary marketplace changes, making sound decisions for their clients, teams and businesses.
CMA Support Webinar Series – starting October 2026 to March 2027 https://spvs.org.uk/cma-support-webinar-series/
Six structured online lunchtime sessions combining expert input, peer discussion and practical decision-making tools, including the SPVS CMA Readiness Tracker.
SPVS Business Club session – 15th October 2026 https://spvs.org.uk/spvs-business-club/
A further opportunity for practice owners to discuss the business implications of the CMA changes and share experiences.
Smarter Practice Tech Day – 21st October 2026 https://spvs.org.uk/cma-roadshow-tech-day/
A practical day exploring how technology, digital tools and AI can help practices implement the CMA remedies while improving efficiency.
SPVS Congress – 4th – 5th February 2027 https://spvs.org.uk/congress-2027-tickets/
Further opportunities to explore the business and practical implications of the CMA remedies with fellow practice owners and veterinary professionals.
Remedies Timetable
A handy, printable timetable to help you keep check of remedies and when they are likely to come into effect
SPVS Resources for Members
SPVS has created a number of resources to help members respond to key concerns from staff and questions from clients, including a training video from In Communication addressing client communication challenges.
