It highlights the professionalism and skills of individual veterinary practitioners.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a series of working papers, revealing its emerging views and assessing the evidence it has received.

Across six documents, the CMA shares its findings on how people purchase veterinary services, current business models in the sector, the state of competition, existing regulatory framework, and analyses local competition.

In an overview of its findings so far, the CMA has highlighted the value of independent veterinary practitioners when consumers choose a veterinary practice. In a survey, 88 per cent of pet owners said that their veterinary surgeon was focused on the highest standard of care for their pet.

The inquiry group writes: “We have been hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment to pet owners and their animals shown by individual vets and vet nurses.

"While we are interested to explore the pressures faced by vets as employees and owners of businesses, nothing in our work should be taken to cast doubt on the professionalism, clinical skills or ethics of the vast majority of individual veterinary practitioners"

The CMA states that the veterinary sector has changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. As well as changes in pet ownership, it confirms that there has been ‘extensive’ consolidation in the industry, with large corporate groups holding a much bigger share of practices compared to independent practices.

Despite all these changes, it notes that the legislation that governs the sector dates from 1966, and has not been updated to match developments in the industry.

Twenty-one per cent of respondents felt that practice ownership was important to them, with 68 per cent of these preferring to use an independent practice.

The inquiry group also reflects on evidence collected on the pricing of medications, the up-selling of veterinary treatments and the limited choice of referral services.

As the investigation continues, the CMA says it has been using its statutory powers to source and analyse information from veterinary businesses. The evidence has also been sourced from two commissioned pieces of market research, surveying pet owners and veterinary professionals.

The CMA inquiry group says that it will continue to gather information, and will seek to develop its understanding through consultation on the six published working papers. Three more working papers are expected to be published in spring.

Ahead of a full response, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “These working papers clearly show the CMA has been listening to BVA as we’ve represented our members and the profession. I’m particularly proud to see the hard work, dedication and professionalism of vet teams acknowledged.”

“This is the profession that I know and love and is a far cry from the misleading media headlines we’ve endured since the CMA launched its investigation over 12 months ago.”

The working papers can be found here.

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