Pets at Home responds to CMA price cap ruling

The CMA said today (March 24) said that it found that public satisfaction with the cost of vet services was “low” after a two-and-a-half year investigation, adding that “there is not strong competition between veterinary businesses”, with the sector being dominated by large chains.

The watchdog also said vets must now inform pet owners that medicines may be found cheaper online, and let them know if they can get a prescription and if it would save them money.

Martin Coleman, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.

“Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners, which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.”

A spokesperson for Pets at Home said the retailer “welcomed” the CMA’s findings.

“Our unique joint-venture model supports organic growth, giving highly skilled veterinary professionals the opportunity to open and run locally-owned practices with clinical and operational freedom,” they added.

“Our network of over 600 practice owners are dedicated to providing the best quality and value pet care in the communities they serve, and we’re proud our model supports the development of local businesses whilst maintaining affordability and accessibility for pet owners through leveraging the efficiencies of a national brand. It’s the reason we remain the UK’s most trusted veterinary brand and why Vets for Pets is the only large group whose average prices the CMA did not find are higher than the average prices at independent practices, and whose satisfaction score for the cost of services is in line with independents.

“This has been a challenging time for dedicated veterinary teams who work tirelessly to provide care to the nation’s pets, but we’re pleased the process has identified the need to modernise the legislation and regulatory system underpinning the sector and we’re looking forward to being part of these ongoing discussions.”