How do I find out if my practice is owned by CVS?

Ask at reception, or check the practice's 'About' page on its website — the corporate footer usually names the group. From 23 September 2026 CVS-owned practices must disclose ownership during the consult.

Will my CVS practice still treat my dog if I buy medication elsewhere?

Yes. RCVS rules require continuity of care regardless of where you fill the prescription. The CMA Order makes obstructing or discouraging the choice of pharmacy non-compliant.

How does the Order's price-list display work in practice?

Each practice must show the price of its top-10 most-sold products. In a typical UK small-animal practice the list will be dominated by parasiticides and the most-prescribed chronic medications, with online-pharmacy alternatives flagged.

Corporate veterinary group

CVS

CVS Group plc · Listed on the London Stock Exchange (CVSG.L) · HQ Diss, Norfolk · ~500 small-animal practices

What they own

CVS-branded practices (most retain local trading names)
MiNightVet (out-of-hours)
Healthy Pet Club (preventative plan)

Many practices retain their original local trading name even after acquisition. The parent group is not always obvious from the practice website or signage. From 23 September 2026 ownership disclosure becomes mandatory during the consult.

What the CMA found

CVS is one of the six large groups whose pricing practices, opaque corporate ownership and in-clinic dispensing margins were the subject of the CMA's 14-month market investigation. The Final Report concluded that ownership was insufficiently disclosed to clients, that in-clinic dispensing margins were materially higher than online pharmacy prices for chronic medication, and that written prescriptions were not routinely offered.

The full Final Report and accompanying Order are public at gov.uk/cma-cases.

What changes from 23 September 2026

Disclose corporate ownership at the start of consultations.
Offer written prescriptions on request; fee capped at £21 first medicine + £12.50 each additional on the same prescription.
Display a top-10 most-sold products price list visible in clinic.
Inform clients during the consult that prescription medication is often cheaper from a VMD-approved online pharmacy.
Provide a written estimate for any treatment plan likely to exceed £500.
Publish a complaints process with a clear route to the RCVS.

How to check if your practice is owned by CVS

Look at the corporate footer on the practice website. Many practices include a line like "CVS Limited" or "part of CVS".
Check the practice on the RCVS Find a Vet register. The accredited practice listing includes ownership details.
Ask at reception. From 23 September 2026 the practice must disclose corporate ownership during the consultation regardless.

Whatever group your practice belongs to, you can still save on medication

The single biggest price gap is not between corporate and independent practice dispensaries — it's between any vet practice dispensary and a VMD-approved UK online pharmacy. Typical UK owner saving: £200–£700 a year. Senior dogs on multiple prescriptions: more.

Run the savings calculator Switch in 5 minutes →

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out if my practice is owned by CVS?: Ask at reception, or check the practice's 'About' page on its website — the corporate footer usually names the group. From 23 September 2026 CVS-owned practices must disclose ownership during the consult.
Will my CVS practice still treat my dog if I buy medication elsewhere?: Yes. RCVS rules require continuity of care regardless of where you fill the prescription. The CMA Order makes obstructing or discouraging the choice of pharmacy non-compliant.
How does the Order's price-list display work in practice?: Each practice must show the price of its top-10 most-sold products. In a typical UK small-animal practice the list will be dominated by parasiticides and the most-prescribed chronic medications, with online-pharmacy alternatives flagged.

Stay across CMA compliance updates

We'll email when the CMA publishes compliance findings or when new disclosure requirements take effect.

Neutral and fact-based. Practice ownership changes; verify with the practice if it matters. Sources: CMA Final Report and Order (March 2026), gov.uk/cma-cases; RCVS Find a Vet, rcvs.org.uk.