Veterinary services for household pets
The CMA has consulted on a proposal to make a market investigation reference into the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom. Having considered responses to the consultation, the CMA has decided to refer the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom for a market investigation.
Inquiry group appointed
23 May 2024: The CMA appointed the inquiry group on 23 May 2024.
Martin Coleman (Inquiry Chair), Humphrey Battcock, Robin Cohen, Susan Hankey, and Keith Richards.
Board steer
23 May 2024: The CMA Board’s advisory steer to the inquiry group can be found below:
- (23.5.24)
Terms of reference
23 May 2024: The terms of reference for the CMA’s investigation can be found below:
- (23.5.24)
Case opened
23 May 2024: The CMA has decided to refer the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom for a market investigation.
Press notice: CMA presses ahead with full investigation into vets market (23.5.24)
Response to the consultation
23 May 2024: The response to the consultation on a proposal to make a market investigation reference can be found below:
Consumer tips
23 May 2024: The CMA’s consumer tips can be found below:
Choosing a vet practice and treatments for your pet
Market investigation reference
23 May 2024: The final report of the consultation and decision to make a market investigation reference can be found below:
- (23.5.24)
CMA launches investigation into the veterinary sector video (YouTube)
Consultation on a market investigation reference
12 March 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published an update report and consulted on whether to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK. Having considered responses to the consultation, the CMA has decided to make a market investigation reference into the supply of veterinary services for household pets in the United Kingdom.
The consultation closed at 5pm on 11 April 2024.
The CMA also published a report of market research commissioned during the market review.
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(12.3.24)
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Press notice: CMA identifies multiple concerns in UK vets market (12.3.24)
Call for information
On 7 September 2023: the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a call for information inviting pet owners, people who work in veterinary practices and people who supply products and services to the veterinary services market to share their thoughts on the veterinary market for pets.
This call for information was open for a period of six weeks.
- Press notice: CMA launches review of vet sector (7.9.23)
Timetable
The consultation period closed at 5pm on 11 April 2024.
In a market investigation, a, inquiry group is the independent panel that is required to decide whether there is a prevention, restriction, or distortion of competition. The phases of a market investigation are subject to statutory time limits. The CMA must generally conclude a market investigation in 18 months and implement remedies in six months.
Personal information
Any personal data you provide us will be handled in accordance with our obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our personal information charter sets out the standards you can expect from us when we collect, use or share personal data and provides details of your rights in relation to that data and how to contact us.
How we may use your information
We are carrying out this work under section 5 of the Enterprise Act 2002, which gives the CMA the power to obtain, compile and keep under review information about matters relating to its functions.
Last updated 23 May 2024 + show all updates
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Final report of the consultation and decision to make a market investigation reference published.
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Update report published launching consultation on whether to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK.
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Questionnaires closed.
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First published.