Today, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final decision report, outlining the outcomes of its investigation into the provision of UK veterinary services.

Representing the veterinary nursing profession, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has engaged extensively with the CMA throughout its investigation. BVNA broadly welcomes these measures, which include the introduction of legally binding Orders to improve transparency and support clients in understanding and navigating veterinary care.

BVNA welcomes the measures that will support both clients and veterinary teams, particularly where they improve transparency, strengthen communication and enable more informed decision-making.

BVNA President Sarah Holliday says:

“Having worked with the CMA throughout its investigation to date, we are pleased that the CMA has taken on board feedback we have raised in developing their final decision. These measures have the potential to improve transparency and support clients in making informed decisions about their pets’ care. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in supporting clients and advocating for patients, and it is important that these changes enable the whole veterinary team to have clear, open and informed discussions.

“We particularly welcome the CMA’s recognition that the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 must be modernised, alongside their recognition of the value that veterinary nurses bring to both patient and client care. We are therefore greatly encouraged to see the CMA will be asking UK Government to consider protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title and future expansion of the profession’s scope of practice within future reforms. We feel this will be key to ensuring veterinary nursing skills can be fully utilised within the veterinary team.”

BVNA will consider the CMA’s full report when released, and will continue to engage with the CMA, RCVS and wider stakeholders to support the effective implementation of these Orders, ensuring positive outcomes for clients, patients and veterinary professionals.

More information can be found on the CMA case page here.