Competition and Markets Authority Investigation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded its two-and-a-half-year market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in summer 2026 and published its Substantive Order on 22 September.
On this page, you can find the latest information for veterinary businesses and practices, what businesses need to do and by when, key definitions, and links to further information.
We will continue to update this page with the latest information and guidance as it becomes available.
CMA’s Orders and guidance
The CMA expects veterinary business caring for household pets to engage with the full text of the Orders and Explanatory Notes, and has also produced guidance to help businesses comply with these Orders.
Substantive Order
(Published 22 September 2026)
The CMA’s Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026 – the Substantive Order – places requirements on veterinary businesses to remove barriers to competition and improve transparency for pet owners.
View the CMA's Substantive Order
Funding Order
(Published 20 August 2026)
The CMA’s Veterinary Services Market Investigation (Funding) Order 2026 – the Funding Order – and related undertakings require relevant veterinary businesses to pay the RCVS a fee and provide mechanisms that put in place the funding required for the RCVS to carry out certain activities.
Key actions and dates
The CMA’s Orders include a number of actions for veterinary businesses, and for the RCVS, along with dates by which it requires these actions to be taken. The initial actions are set out below in chronological order. Further updates will be added in due course.
Need help?
If you have questions about the CMA’s Orders, or how they apply to your situation, please email the CMA at [email protected]
If you need help with submitting additional information to us about your veterinary business, or have questions about payments or invoices, please email us at [email protected]
Background and context
CMA Market Investigation
The CMA’s Market Investigation opened on 7 September 2023 and closed on 22 September 2026.
Full details and all documentation are available on the CMA’s Market Investigation page.
RCVS news articles
- RCVS responds to publication of CMA Order (22 Sep 26)
- RCVS responds to CMA’s provisional decision (15 Oct 25)
- RCVS publishes response to CMA’s working papers (25 Mar 25)
- RCVS responds to CMA’s working papers (6 Feb 25)
- CMA: response to Issues Statement published (31 Jul 24)
- RCVS welcomes CMA investigation decision (23 May 24)
- RCVS responds to CMA consultation (12 Apr 24)
- Response to CMA review announcement (7 Sep 23)
CMA’s key definitions
The CMA has set out all relevant definitions in its Orders, but the following key definitions from the CMA may be helpful at the outset.