CMA proceeds with controversial pharmacy remedy.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has expressed its disappointment in some remedies published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The report, published 26 March 2026, revealed that the CMA would be proceeding with controversial remedies that could see independent practices direct clients to online pharmacies.
As part of the remedy package, all veterinary practices will be required to advise pet owners that their pet’s medication ‘may be cheaper if bought elsewhere’. Vets will also be told to issue prescriptions by the end of consultation (hard copy) or within 48 hours (digital copy).
FIVP suggests that this remedy could have a ‘devastating’ for independent practices. It states that, with large veterinary groups owning the major online pharmacies, this strategy could lead to ‘the monopolisation of veterinary medicines’.
Calling on data from its Impact Assessment survey, which surveyed independent practices across country, the organisation says that 94 per cent of respondents did not support such remedies.
FIVP says that, if independent practices lose revenue from medicine sales, they will be unable to subsidise the costs of services and procedures. This could mean practices are forced to increase their prices to keep their business viable.
The organisation has also expressed concern about a proposed comparison site, through which clients will be able to directly compare practices on an RCVS website. It warns that this remedy could lead to so-called ‘practice-hopping’ for the cheapest price, which could be ‘detrimental’ to continuity of care.
Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, said: “We are fully supportive of measures that increase transparency and our members work tirelessly to provide a great service at an affordable cost.
“Over 90 per cent of independent vets agree that a move to online pharmacies will impact their ability to provide veterinary services to pets in need. We encourage pet owners to support their local independent vet and not online pharmacies, many of which are owned by corporates.
“We are supportive of a new, modern Veterinary Surgeons Act, but this is a separate matter from the CMA review.”
FIVP's full response can be read here.
Image © FIVP
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
