Horse owners know that veterinary care can be one of the biggest expenses in keeping horses healthy. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced new reforms aimed at improving transparency and competition in the veterinary sector, after finding that vet prices have been rising nearly twice as fast as inflation, with large chains dominating the market.
These changes, due to come into effect late 2026, could make a real difference for equine owners:
- Prescription fees capped – Written prescriptions will be limited to £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for any additional medicines, helping reduce the cost of ongoing treatments.
- Clear price lists – Vet practices, including equine clinics, must publish transparent pricing for services so horse owners can see costs upfront.
- Price comparison website – A new independent website will allow owners to compare prices across practices, helping find the best value for routine care, vaccinations, or emergency treatments.
- Ownership disclosure – Practices must disclose if they are part of a large corporate group, giving owners insight into how chains operate.
- Prescription rights – Horse owners must be informed that they can request a written prescription and source medications from cheaper, approved online providers, with many potentially saving £200 or more per year.
Other legally binding measures include providing written estimates for treatments over £500 (including aftercare, excluding emergencies) and issuing itemised bills.
The CMA highlighted that from 2016–2023, vet service prices increased 63%, far outpacing inflation, without clear evidence that these rises improved quality. For horse owners managing multiple horses, ongoing treatments, or costly procedures, these reforms could make veterinary care more affordable and transparent, while maintaining the high standards required for equine health.
Whether it’s vaccinations, lameness treatment, or routine check-ups, horse owners should welcome these changes as a step toward fairer, more competitive veterinary pricing across the UK.