Competition and Markets Authority
This coverage examines the work of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and its impact on the UK petcare industry. Pet Gazette reports on CMA investigations, market reviews, enforcement actions, and policy updates that affect pet retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers. Coverage includes news, expert commentary, and business analysis to help pet trade professionals understand regulatory developments, competition law compliance, and the commercial implications of CMA decisions within the petcare market.
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Oct- 2025 -15 OctoberVeterinary
CMA proposes price caps on vet prescriptions
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed the introduction of price caps on prescriptions provided by vets stating that pet owners could be “paying twice as much for commonly prescribed medicines from vet practices than they could pay online”. The watchdog believes that vets should have a prescription fee…
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Sep- 2025 -26 SeptemberVeterinary
British Veterinary Association appoints new president
Dr Rob Williams has been elected president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for the 2025–26 association year. Williams, a small animal vet with nearly 25 years’ experience, graduated from University College Dublin in 2001 and holds an MBA from York Business School. He has worked in general and referral…
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May- 2025 -30 MayVeterinary
Which?: Owners face ‘David and Goliath battle’ resolving vet complaints
Pet owners are facing a “David and Goliath battle” in order to resolve vet complaints as the current system is “designed to protect vets”, according to Which?. The consumer champion found that in a survey of over 1,000 pet owners who have faced some kind of problem with their vet…
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27 MayVeterinary
BVA brands CMA proposals ‘disproportionate’ and ‘unworkable’
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) potential remedies working paper “disproportionate and in some cases unworkable”. The trade body has raised “serious concerns” that the remedies are disproportionate to the issues they seek to address and will unfairly impact smaller independent practices. It…
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1 MayVeterinary
CMA unveils potential ‘remedies’ in vet working paper
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has unveiled its working paper with potential “remedies” as part of its investigation into the veterinary sector in the UK. The CMA has reaffirmed the need to reform the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 which has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).…
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Mar- 2025 -18 MarchVeterinary
RCVS appoints new junior vice president
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the appointment of Tim Hutchinson MRCVS as its new junior vice president. Hutchinson is a small animal veterinary surgeon based in South Oxfordshire. He is also a managing partner of Larkmead Vets and also a director at the independent veterinary community…
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11 MarchVeterinary
NOAH welcomes CMA vet inquiry
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) latest working papers, published as part of its inquiry into the provision of veterinary services for household pets, but warned of the potential impact of any changes. A key concern raised by NOAH is the…
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Feb- 2025 -26 FebruaryBusiness
Pets at Home share price rises amid takeover rumours
Pets at Home has seen its share price rise over 17% today (26 February) amid rumours that private equity firm BC Partners is preparing a bid, according to reports from City AM. A series of bidcos were registered on 24 February with pug in the name sparking speculation that they…
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Jan- 2025 -20 JanuaryGovernment & Legislation
Pets at Home CEO warns Budget will effect part-time workers and women
Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan has warned that the changes to National Insurance in the Budget will negatively impact part-time workers and women. McGowan stated in an interview with Mail on Sunday that Pets at Home faces an £18m increase in costs. The National Insurance contribution threshold will be…
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Oct- 2024 -4 OctoberVeterinary
CVS PBT dips 37.1% to £38.2m
UK veterinary services provider CVS has reported a 37.1% decline in its profit before tax to £38.2m (2023: £60.7m) despite a 9.9% increase in revenues to £647.3m for the year ended 30 June 2024. The group attributed this drop to an increase in business combination costs, finance expense and depreciation…
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