The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is disappointed by some of the measures in the final decision report published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The report published today (24 March 2026) follows nearly two years of discussions between FIVP and the CMA’s inquiry group. Throughout the process, we have represented independent practices, calling for a package of remedies which will secure a future for these businesses amongst growing corporate ownership.
Independent practices support remedies that seek to improve transparency in the sector, including measures calling for more clarity from practices about their ownership, pricing and out-of-hours provision. Our Impact Assessment proved that transparency is of utmost value to independent practices, with 98 per cent supporting the CMA’s suggestion that practices are clear about their ownership.
FIVP is also appreciative that the Inquiry Group has heard some of our concerns with its Provisional Decision Report. The increase of the prescription price cap from £16 to £21 (and £12.50 for additional medicines) is welcomed, as is the decision to ease requirements for the smallest veterinary businesses regarding RCVS’ annual attestations.
However, the measures published in the report suggest that the CMA inquiry group has not listened to all of FIVP’s concerns, impacting not only independent practices but also the fairness of the wider veterinary industry.
FIVP’s own Impact Assessment reveals the flaws in the CMA’s findings. Our survey of independent practices found that 94 per cent of respondents did not support decisions that would promote online pharmacies over in-house pharmacies.
The revenue that independent practices earn through medicine sales is vital to enable them to subsidise the costs of life-saving procedures for animals. Without this income, practices will ultimately be forced to raise their service prices to keep their business viable.
Our response to the CMA’s Provisional Decision Report, alongside data published from our Impact Assessment and in our article in January, clearly set out the devastating impact this would have on independent practices.
While the CMA highlights the short-term benefits this may have for clients, we maintain that this approach will lead to the monopolisation of veterinary medicines. Large veterinary groups, and their corresponding online pharmacies, will have full power to control medicine prices, and independent practices could suffer as a result.
Instead of reducing the cost to pet owners, the remedies will only shift them from medicines to services.
FIVP also warns against direct comparisons between veterinary practices, particularly when such decisions are reduced only to cost of pet care. This could lead to pet owners ‘practice hopping’ for cheaper prices, which devalues the dedicated, personalised service offered by independent practices, and could be detrimental to continuity of care.
Rita Dingwall, Chair of FIVP, said: “We are fully supportive of measures that increase transparency and our members work tirelessly to provide a great service at an affordable cost.
“Over 90 per cent of independent vets agree that a move to online pharmacies will impact their ability to provide veterinary services to pets in need. We encourage pet owners to support their local independent vet and not online pharmacies, many of which are owned by corporates.
“We are supportive of a new, modern Veterinary Surgeons Act, but this is a separate matter from the CMA review.”
