On 22 September 2026, the CMA published its Order and Undertakings. This sets out more specific details regarding the implementation of its requirements, including deadlines for large and small practices.
There is still much to examine in the documents, but here are four key takeaways from the latest document. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of details.
The wording on the Standard Written Prescription Notice and the Standard Flyer for Ongoing Medication has been updated.
Following campaigns from FIVP and other vet organisations, the CMA has now amended the wording that is published on Standard Written Prescription Notice (the poster) and its Standard Flyer for Ongoing Medication (the flyer). The most prominent text now reads:
You could save money by shopping around for your pet’s medicines
Smaller text reads:
The same medicines may be significantly cheaper elsewhere. Compare prices online and at other retailers to see the savings you might make.
The Standard Written Prescription Notice must be published in at least A3 size and ‘in a clear and prominent manner’ in the practice waiting area (or reception area) and in each consulting room.
The Standard Flyer for Ongoing Medication must be supplied when ongoing medication is first dispensed (if not reasonably practicable, the second time). It can be provided either as a physical A5 flyer, on the dispensing bag (in A5 size or bigger) or via email, if the pet owner requests.
Small Veterinary Businesses: 22 September 2027
Large Veterinary Businesses: 22 June 2027
Your Standardised Price List must be one click away from the homepage.
The CMA has now published a full list of the services, products, treatments and procedures that must be included on its standardised price list. This can be viewed here.
Under the CMA’s definition, the Price List must be accessible in a maximum of one click away from the homepage. It should also be hosted on a webpage that uses the terms ‘price’, ‘prices’, ‘pricing, or ‘fees’ in page navigation information and page metadata. Practices must use the Price List Schedule, and cannot use free text to describe treatments and services.
Prices must be kept up to date and must be inclusive of VAT. If the practice intends on changing any prices, this must be communicated through the price list before it is charged to pet owners.
Practices which sell parasiticides directly to pet owners must publish a Parasiticide Price List and a link to the VMD Register of Online Retailers.
Small Veterinary Businesses: 22 March 2027
Large Veterinary Businesses: 22 December 2027
The CMA distinguishes between Pet Care Plan claims.
The CMA has highlighted a difference in how practices promote their Pet Care Plans. These have been identified as a ‘Quantified Savings Claim’ and a ‘General Savings Claim’.
A ‘Quantified Savings Claim’ describes a plan where the practice has stated a specific monetary amount, percentage or otherwise described the magnitude of the saving. Meanwhile a ‘General Savings Claim’ might refer to the existence of a saving, but not specify its magnitude.
In all cases, practices much provide the information listed in the CMA’s Pet Care Plan Standard Information on its website and in person. Where parasiticides are included, they must also link to their parasiticide price list.
Where a Quantified Savings Claim is made, information must be provided on the same page that declares how the saving has been calculated and comparing this to standalone services. For Generalised Savings Plans, practices can link to a different page on their website that displays the same information.
Small Veterinary Businesses: 22 March 2027
Large Veterinary Businesses: 22 December 2027
‘Find a Vet’ information will be required no sooner than 22 September 2027.
The CMA has confirmed that practices will not need to submit information to RCVS’ Find a Vet platform until three months after RCVS has produced its webform (or similar) or 22 September 2027 – whichever is soonest.
It will be the practice’s responsibility to ensure the information is accurate and up to date. This will include: basic information, practice information, price list, parasiticide price list, Pet Care Plan information and a public URL.
This article is intended as a general guide to some key elements in the CMA’s Order and Undertakings documents. For more information, please consult the document or contact us for practice-specific advice.
