Your rights with your vet
In September 2026 the Competition and Markets Authority made the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026 after its investigation into the vet market. Here is what it means for you as a pet owner, and when each part applies.
Which applies to my vet? Large veterinary businesses — groups with 15 or more practices — must comply first. If you are not sure, ask your practice whether it is part of a group, or check its website: the Order also makes practices say who owns them.
A written prescription when you ask Coming
Your vet must give you a written prescription for your pet's medicine if you ask — on paper by the end of the consultation, or a digital copy by the end of the second working day after it — unless there is a clinical need for the medicine to be given by a vet or vet nurse, or for your pet to start it urgently.
Article 15: after 22 June 2027 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 September 2027 at other practices.
A maximum prescription fee Coming
The fee for a written prescription is capped at £21.40 for the first medicine and £12.70 for each additional medicine on the same prescription, including VAT. From April 2028 the caps rise each year with inflation.
Article 18: after 22 March 2027 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 September 2027 at other practices.
Being told you can shop around Coming
Your vet must offer you a written prescription and tell you they are available, including in their messages to you, in the Order's own words: “Written prescriptions are available. See the RCVS website for further information.”
Article 14: after 22 June 2027 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 September 2027 at other practices.
A leaflet for long-term medicines Coming
When your pet starts a long-term medicine, your vet must give you the Order's standard leaflet: “You could save money by shopping around for your pet’s long-term medicines. The same long-term medicines may be significantly cheaper elsewhere. Compare prices online and at other retailers to see the savings you might make.” — with the practice's own prescription fee on it.
Article 16: after 22 June 2027 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 September 2027 at other practices.
Clarity about own-brand medicines Coming
If your vet sells a medicine under their own group's brand, they must tell you, and give you in writing the name of the medicine it is equivalent to (its reference product) — on the bag and the invoice too — so you can compare it elsewhere.
Article 17: after 22 June 2027 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 September 2027 at other practices.
Published price lists Coming
Practices must publish the prices of common services and medicines — including the prescription fee — on their website and in the practice, so you can compare before you book.
Article 7: after 22 December 2026 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 March 2027 at other practices.
Your vet's advice is theirs Coming
Vets may not be set targets or incentives that stop them recommending what is right for your animal.
Article 13: after 22 December 2026 at large groups (15 or more practices), after 22 March 2027 at other practices.
Until then
You can already ask your vet for a written prescription and buy the medicine elsewhere. Vets have long been expected to provide one on request, and may charge a fee — the Order caps that fee and adds deadlines.
Write a prescription request Compare prices
Source: Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, made 22 September 2026. The RCVS publishes advice for owners at rcvs.org.uk/help. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice.
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