Standing up for you: New report reveals BVA’s impact on the outcome of the CMA investigation 

Read Standing up for vets: How BVA shaped the outcome of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into veterinary services for household pets to find out how we represented you and how our interventions critically reframed the CMA’s investigation resulting in a final set of ’remedies’ that, whilst not perfect, are more proportionate, workable and less detrimental to the sustainability of vet businesses, and fairer to both vets and pet owners.

Read the full report to find out how we represented you and how our interventions critically reframed the CMA’s investigation resulting in a final set of ’remedies’ that, whilst not perfect, are more proportionate, workable and less detrimental to the sustainability of vet businesses, and fairer to both vets and pet owners.   

BVA’s impact:   

• 105 potential CMA approaches challenged   

• 28 proposed CMA remedies reduced to just 18 

• 18 final remedies significantly changed or pared back to be more workable   

• CMA backs reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 including practice regulation 

• Investigation reframed to prioritise animal welfare, contextualised care and vet-client-patient relationship   

• Vets recognised by CMA as highly skilled, trained professionals who act ethically and put animal welfare first.   

• Shift in media narrative from blanket negativity to fairer and more balanced coverage   

• Increased positive public opinion on cost and value of vet care.   

We achieved all of this by ensuring the CMA undertook its investigation with a full understanding of the complexities and nuances of delivering veterinary services in the UK today and the final outcome is the culmination of hours and hours of formal hearings, teach ins and roundtables with the CMA, alongside sixteen detailed consultation responses.   

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, working in partnership with our specialist divisions and affiliates and thanks for to your continued support - we simply couldn’t do this work without you and your membership. 

Read the full report here to find out how we delivered this impact.