IVC Evidensia

What they own

• Local trading names retained at most practices
• Vets Now (24-hour emergency)
• IVC Evidensia Specialist hospitals

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

IVC Evidensia is the largest UK veterinary group by practice count. The CMA's investigation singled out the largest groups for the most attention; the Final Report's pricing analysis used IVC-comparable data extensively. Key findings: in-clinic dispensing margins materially higher than online; corporate ownership not routinely disclosed; written prescriptions not routinely offered; pricing of frequently-prescribed products opaque to clients before purchase.

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; £21 + £12.50 fee structure.
• Display the top-10 most-sold products price list.
• Disclose during the consult that medication is often cheaper online.
• Provide written estimates above £500.
• Publish a standardised complaints process.

How to check if your practice is owned by IVC Evidensia

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

Frequently asked questions

My practice has a local name — how do I know if it's IVC?

Look at the corporate footer of the practice website, or ask at reception. IVC owns over 1,000 UK practices and the majority keep their original trading names. From 23 September 2026 disclosure is mandatory in consultations.

Does IVC's size affect the prices I pay?

Buying power should in theory lower prices for large groups. The CMA's investigation found this saving was not routinely passed to clients on prescription medication. Online pharmacy pricing is consistently lower across all medications the CMA tested.

Where can I see the CMA's findings about IVC specifically?

The CMA Final Report's pricing appendices are public at gov.uk/cma-cases. Individual group findings are aggregated rather than named in detail, but the Order applies to all six groups including IVC.