Vet Cost Index guides
The CMA-led explainer series. What the CMA Vet Services investigation found, what the price-transparency remedies require, and what changes for UK pet owners as the remedies are phased in from 2026.
Costs
How much does an out-of-hours vet cost in the UK?
Out-of-hours vet consultation surcharges, the in-house vs referred-OOH distinction, and what the CMA's price-transparency remedies require practices to disclose.
How UK vet prices have changed over the last decade
The CMA's market investigation found that UK vet consultation fees rose roughly 60% over the previous decade, well above general inflation. What drove that rise and what the price-transparency remedies are meant to address.
Explainers
The CMA Vet Services investigation: what it found and what it changes
The Competition and Markets Authority's market investigation into UK veterinary services — what the inquiry found, the remedies ordered, and the implementation timeline.
Who owns UK vet practices? The six corporate groups and what to look for
CVS Group, IVC Evidensia, Linnaeus, Medivet, VetPartners and Pets at Home / Vets4Pets together own a substantial share of UK vet practices. What that means for transparency and pricing.
How to read a vet's CMA price-transparency disclosure
What's in a CMA-mandated vet price disclosure, how to spot the figures that matter, and the questions to ask before you book.