What the CMA update means for you as a pet owner and our view at Chalkland Vets

If you have seen recent news about the CMA and changes proposed for veterinary practices, you may be wondering what it all actually means for you, your pet, and your visits to the vet.

In simple terms, the update is all about greater transparency, clearer pricing information, and helping pet owners make informed choices.

As an independent practice, we welcome anything that helps clients feel more confident, better informed, and more supported when making decisions about their pet’s care.

So, what are the new rules?

Based on the CMA update, the proposed changes cover a wide range of areas.

1. Clear ownership information

Every veterinary practice will need to say clearly who owns it, both online and at practice level.

As you probably already know, we’re an independently owned practice.

2. More information about services, teams and prices

Practices will need to publish more detail about:

•  The services they offer
•  Staff qualifications
• Accreditations and awards
•  Standard price lists
• Parasite treatment pricing
•  Pet healthcare plan details

You can find most of this information on our website already, including information about our services and our team, including staff qualifications, accreditations and awards.

We also provide a price list and pet healthcare plan details, including different plans and monthly fees. These will be continuously updated to comply with the new requirements and also as things evolve and change in practice.

3. A UK-wide veterinary price comparison site

The RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) is expected to host a price comparison site for veterinary practices.

4. Written estimates and itemised bills

For treatments expected to cost more than £500, we will provide written estimates. If costs change significantly, a revised written estimate will also be needed. We will also provide itemised bills.

We’re always transparent and are more than happy to have conversations about what things cost and why. If you have any questions about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Protecting clinical freedom

A new rule is being introduced to help make sure vets can make clinical decisions based on what is best for the animal in front of them.

As an independent practice, this has never been a problem for us, as we are free to make decisions based on what’s best for each patient and family.

6 to 10. Prescriptions and medicines

Several of the proposed rules focus on prescriptions and medication. These include:

•  Making owners more aware that written prescriptions are available.
• Speeding up how quickly prescriptions are provided.
•  Making it easier to compare own-brand medicines with equivalent branded products.
• Encouraging owners of pets on long-term medication to shop around.
• Capping prescription fees.

You can always ask for a written prescription at Chalklands. The first medication prescribed costs £21 and the subsequent medications from the same consultation cost £12.50. You can find this information on our website under prices.

11. Emergency care contract changes

The CMA also wants to make it easier for first opinion practices and emergency providers to renegotiate contracts.

The aim is to improve flexibility and value, which may ultimately benefit practices and clients alike.

12. More transparent end of life information

Practices will need to provide clearer information about cremation options, fees, and choices available to pet owners. That includes being open about communal and individual cremation, as well as making clear that owners may be able to make their own arrangements.

We know that end-of-life decisions are deeply personal to each family and are always available to discuss options and prices in a transparent and compassionate way.

13 and 14. Clearer complaints procedures and mediation

Practices will also need to publish more detailed complaints policies and engage in good faith with mediation services where appropriate.

For pet owners, this should mean clearer routes to raise concerns and seek resolution if something does not go as expected.

Our view at Chalkland Vets

Many of these measures reflect what pet owners already value most: honesty, communication, compassion and trust.

We know that choosing veterinary care is not just about finding a price. It is about finding a team that listens to you, explains your options clearly, and puts your pet first.

We’re proud to be an independent practice, and we already share a wide range of information about our services, prices and healthcare plans online. We are also proud of the standards our team works towards, including our RCVS accreditation.

Whatever changes come next, our focus remains the same: providing high-quality, thoughtful veterinary care and helping you make informed decisions for your pet.

If you have any questions about our services, pricing, prescriptions or pet healthcare plans, please get in touch with our team. We are always happy to help.