BVA welcomes CMA’s recognition of veterinary professionals’ skill and dedication, but raises concerns around understanding of out of hours and referral services

The papers show that the CMA has clearly been listening to concerns raised by BVA and that it is working hard to understand the complexities of both the veterinary landscape and how clinical services are delivered. 

BVA welcomes the CMA’s recognition of the ‘dedication and commitment to pet owners and their animals shown by vets and vet nurses’, reflected in its pet owner survey where 88% of respondents agreed that their vet focused on the highest standard of care for their pet’s health.  

BVA also welcomes the CMA’s clear recognition of the urgent need for veterinary legislative reform to replace the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. 

However, whilst it’s clear that the CMA is listening, there is lots to digest within the papers and BVA will respond in full shortly. It is vital that the CMA fully understands the nuances around the provision of key services, such as out of hours and referrals, to ensure any future remedies do not inadvertently lead to a reduction in choice for clients, which in turn could have a detrimental impact on animal welfare.  

British Veterinary Association President Dr. 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. However, there is still work to do, these papers suggest that the CMA is failing to fully understand the nuances around key provisions like out-of-hours services and referrals.  BVA will now carefully consider these working papers and address these concerns in our detailed response.” 

BVA alongside BSAVA, BVNA and FIVP will give oral evidence to the CMA at a formal hearing in March.  

BVA is already supporting the profession to help clients make informed choices through greater transparency around vet fees and practice ownership. Download our guide here. 

Read the CMA’s working papers here