How Six Large Groups Came to Own Most UK Vet Practices

In 2013, large veterinary groups owned about 10% of UK practices. The CMA's 2026 final report puts their share at more than 60%. The six large groups it studied are CVS, IVC Evidensia, Linnaeus, Medivet, Pets at Home and VetPartners.

The change happened largely through acquisitions of independent practices. A familiar local name can remain on the door even when the business behind it has changed.

What the CMA found about prices

Across consultations, treatments and medicines, average prices at practices owned by five of the large groups were 18.3% higher than those at independent practices in the CMA's January 2023 to July 2024 data. The figure is an average and there was considerable variation between groups and services.

For at least three of the five groups that acquired practices since 2015, the CMA found evidence that acquisition led to average prices about 9% above the previous trend four years later. It also found that improvements in service quality did not wholly explain the higher prices.

That does not mean every group practice is more expensive or that an independent practice is always the best choice. Your local prices, the care available and travel distance all matter.

Why ownership can be hard to see

In the CMA's pet owner survey, fewer than half of confirmed customers at large-group practices knew their practice belonged to one. Groups will have to identify common ownership on websites, signs, at premises and in communications by March 2027.

Until then, ask a practice which business owns it. Check the ownership of other local practices too, especially if you want quotes from separate providers.

How to use this information

For planned care, compare the same treatment at more than one practice, including what is covered by each price. Ask whether aftercare, medicines and any diagnostics are included. A lower price may not cover the same treatment pathway.

The new standard price lists are due in December 2026 at larger businesses and March 2027 at smaller ones. The RCVS's enhanced Find a Vet service is due to accept practice data by June 2027; businesses must provide it by September 2027. Until that comparison data is available, phone practices directly.