Today (Tuesday 22^nd September 2026), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final Orders, signifying the conclusion of its three-year investigation into UK veterinary services for household pets. Veterinary businesses are now legally obliged to comply with the CMA’s remedies, which seek to improve transparency and choice for pet caregivers, whilst strengthening competition within the sector.

Having championed the veterinary nursing profession as a key stakeholder throughout the CMA investigation, BVNA responds as the CMA measures become law.

BVNA Senior Vice President Lyndsay Hughes commented: “As the CMA’s work concludes, we recognise the scrutiny and the pressure that the veterinary professions and sector as a whole have been under for the past three years. We thank our members for engaging positively with BVNA during this process, to enable us to provide a clear, strong voice on behalf of veterinary nurses. We also recognise the professionalism and dedication of veterinary teams, who, in the face of these additional pressures, have unwaveringly continued to prioritise the welfare of the animals in their care.

“We fully support the need for improved client transparency and choice; in doing so, promoting the role of veterinary nurses and our veterinary colleagues as trusted and skilled professionals. We are pleased to see that the CMA has taken on board many of our concerns, which we raised during both its recent consultation and a subsequent meeting. Our members were particularly concerned regarding the suggested wording on client facing posters and flyers and, thanks to our input, the CMA has adapted its approach.

“We will continue to offer support to our members as the CMA’s measures become implemented over the coming months and throughout 2027.

“As the veterinary professions now navigate the implementation of the CMA’s remedies and this phase of significant change, we acknowledge that challenging media coverage may result in additional demands to those in client facing roles. We stand with all veterinary professionals at this time, remaining staunchly opposed to abuse of veterinary teams in any form – whether face to face or online.”

The CMA’s measures will come into effect from 23^rd December 2026 for larger veterinary businesses, with additional remedies to be introduced in phases throughout 2027. Smaller veterinary businesses have a longer period to make the necessary changes.

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

Read more on BVNA’s activity to represent the veterinary nursing profession throughout the CMA investigation here.