British Veterinary Association responds to CMA’s potential ‘remedies’ as UK veterinary services investigation continues

These are potential remedies and are not the CMA’s final recommendations. Over the next few weeks, BVA’s dedicated working group will review the detail of the working paper, explore the impacts of the potential remedies, before submitting a full response to the CMA’s consultation.

Initial thoughts
BVA welcomes the CMA’s recognition of the dedication shown by vets and vet nurses to the animals under their care. The CMA acknowledges that the vast majority of pet owners recognise this, with 88% of respondents to its survey agreeing that their vet focused on the highest standard of care for their pet’s health.

The CMA has also highlighted the profession’s efforts to proactively address many of its initial concerns since its investigation launched in 2023, specifically acknowledging BVA’s guidance on transparency and client choice to support practices to improve transparency around fees and practice ownership.

BVA is also pleased to see the CMA reaffirming the need to reform the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which has not kept up with changes in the industry and which BVA has been pushing for. In particular, the need for regulation of veterinary businesses, not just individuals; and the expansion of the role of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) coupled with the protection of the Vet Nurse title. BVA also welcomes the CMA’s commitment to retaining vets’ clinical freedom, which has been under keen scrutiny in recent weeks and if not maintained threatens the welfare of animals in their care.

However, BVA has initial concerns around some of the potential remedies but will consider the detail before providing a substantive response. These include:

• Prescriptions and medicines, in particular a potential requirement for generic prescribing, and prescription and medicine price controls;
• Restrictions on contracts with out of hours care providers;
• Potential price concerns relating to cremation services; and
• The introduction of standardised price lists.

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Many of the CMA’s potential remedies are absolutely hitting the right note, particularly around the need for greater transparency and better communication and it’s good to see the CMA acknowledging the steps the profession has taken to address these with BVA support.

“There are, however, some concerns around the potential remedies outlined in the consultation papers, particularly around medicines, out of hours care, cremations and standardised price lists. We will look closely at the detail of these in the coming weeks and formally respond to the CMA. It’s vital that any measures the CMA presses forward with do not risk undermining the ability of veterinary professionals to do their job or compromise the sustainability of the sector, which could have negative consequences for the welfare of the animals in our care.”

Next steps
BVA will continue to provide updates and guidance to members as the CMA consultation progresses. Veterinary professionals and practices are encouraged to share feedback with BVA and directly with the CMA to ensure the profession’s voice is heard.

Full details of the working paper can be found on the CMA’s website.