Does the Order apply to VetPartners' farm or equine practices?

The CMA's investigation focused on companion-animal services. The Order's specific rules apply to small-animal practice. Farm and equine practices have separate regulatory considerations.

VetPartners practices often keep local names — how do I check ownership?

Look at the corporate footer of the practice website, or ask at reception. From 23 September 2026 disclosure is mandatory in the consultation.

Is there a difference in price between large-group practices and independents?

On chronic medication, the CMA found minimal price difference between corporate-group and independent practice dispensaries. The biggest price gap is between any UK vet practice and a VMD-approved online pharmacy.

Corporate veterinary group

VetPartners

VetPartners Ltd · Owned by BC Partners · HQ York, England · ~600 UK practices (mixed small animal, farm, equine)

What they own

Local trading names retained at most practices
Independent Vetcare (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

VetPartners is one of the six large UK groups named in the CMA Order. It has a substantial farm and equine footprint as well as small-animal practices. The Order's small-animal disclosures apply to its companion-animal practices; small-animal owners should see the same disclosure and prescription rights from 23 September 2026.

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 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 VetPartners

Look at the corporate footer on the practice website. Many practices include a line like "VetPartners Limited" or "part of VetPartners".
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

Does the Order apply to VetPartners' farm or equine practices?: The CMA's investigation focused on companion-animal services. The Order's specific rules apply to small-animal practice. Farm and equine practices have separate regulatory considerations.
VetPartners practices often keep local names — how do I check ownership?: Look at the corporate footer of the practice website, or ask at reception. From 23 September 2026 disclosure is mandatory in the consultation.
Is there a difference in price between large-group practices and independents?: On chronic medication, the CMA found minimal price difference between corporate-group and independent practice dispensaries. The biggest price gap is between any UK vet practice and a VMD-approved online pharmacy.

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.