Vet Prescription Fees to Be Capped at £21: What It Means for Dog Owners

In a major shake-up for UK pet owners, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that written prescription fees from vets will be capped at £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines. The reforms follow an in-depth investigation by the watchdog, which found that veterinary prices had been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation.

Mandatory Price Transparency

The changes don't stop at prescriptions. Vet practices will now be required to publish comprehensive price lists for standard services, including consultations, common procedures, and cremation options. For any treatment expected to cost £500 or more, vets must provide a written estimate in advance and an itemised bill afterwards, with only genuine emergencies exempt.

Buying Medication Online

One of the most significant findings from the CMA investigation is that more than 70% of pet owners buy long-term medication directly from their vet practice, even though many could save £200 a year or more by shopping online. Under the new rules, vets must proactively inform owners that they are entitled to a written prescription, which can then be taken to an online pharmacy or any other supplier. Prescription fees had previously been entirely uncapped, with some practices charging considerably more than the new £21 ceiling.

Corporate Ownership Transparency

The watchdog is also addressing transparency around ownership. About 60% of vet practices in the UK are now owned by large corporate groups, but this hasn't always been obvious to customers. Under the reforms, every practice will be required to make clear whether it is part of a larger group or operates independently. A price comparison website will also be introduced, drawing on data shared via the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' 'Find a Vet' service.

Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA's independent Inquiry Group, said: "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."

The British Veterinary Association broadly welcomed the changes while pointing out that rising costs aren't simply about profit. BVA president Dr Rob Williams noted that advances in veterinary technology now allow far more to be done for sick or injured animals than was possible a decade ago, and that energy bills, staffing, and equipment all contribute to the fees owners pay. "If pet owners do have concerns about cost, talk to us, we will always do our best to help," he said.

The reforms are set to begin coming into force later in 2026. For dog owners in the UK, where roughly 60% of households own at least one pet, these changes represent a meaningful improvement in both transparency and value. If your dog is on regular prescription medication, it is worth speaking to your vet about obtaining a written prescription so you can compare prices from online pharmacies.