Competition Markets Authority (CMA) update - October 2025

Like many other veterinary practices, the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital has welcomed and positively engaged with the CMA enquiry into veterinary services in the UK.

The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital is owned by the Royal Veterinary College (University of London), an independent provider of veterinary care. The hospital provides a high standard of veterinary care to the pets and clients in our community while acting as a teaching hospital for final year vet students to learn from experienced veterinary surgeons and nurses. The practice is non profit-making but charges fees to cover its costs. Discounted fees are available for clients on benefits.

The CMA’s provisional decisions sets out expectations for changes that are likely to come into force in 2026. The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital is already meeting proposed requirements regarding pricing information on our website, estimates for procedures and written prescriptions available for patients on long term treatment.

Once the final decisions of the CMA are published in 2026 we will be able to update our working practices accordingly.

The following information may be of interest:

• The RVC is a university educating undergraduate and postgraduate vets and vet nurses.
• We are an independent (rather than a corporate) provider of clinical care.
• Providing the best possible care for animals and service to their owners is at the heart of everything that the RVC does and so we welcome the CMA review and subsequent Market Investigation.
• We understand that veterinary care can be expensive, and we are always mindful that, with no National Health Service equivalent for animals, the entire cost must be borne by owners. We therefore strive for transparency with our clients and appropriately price our services. Prices for routine consultations and standard services are available on our website and clients receive a link to these 24 hours before a booked consultation.
• Prior to receiving care, owners of all pets being hospitalised receive estimates of the anticipated costs. It is not always possible to provide precise estimates when an animal is first presented, as further investigation and diagnostics can alter treatment plans. However, we ensure that our clients are kept up to date of any changes in the cost of their animal’s care as investigations proceed; and involve them in each stage of decision-making so that our veterinary surgeons and owners can agree the best courses of action.
• We uphold our obligations to providing published information regarding procedural costs and charges relating to prescriptions and the dispensing of medication.

BSAVA Explainer on Veterinary Costs