Article 18 of the Order. Applies from 23 September 2027. 337 days to go.

Vet prescription fee cap: £21.40 and £12.70 explained

Charge no more than £21.40 including VAT for the first medicine on a written prescription and £12.70 for each additional medicine prescribed at the same time.

What the Order requires

£21.40 including VAT cap for the first medicine, whether prescribed in or outside a consultation.
£12.70 including VAT cap for each additional medicine prescribed at the same time.
Caps run to 31 March 2028, then rise with CPI each year.
Prescription length must not depend on where the owner buys the medicine.

How to fix it

Set your prescription fees at or below the caps and publish them on your price list.

Sources

Check your whole website against the Order

Free red, amber and green report for every duty in the Order that can be checked from your website, plus the ones you confirm yourself. The checker opens in November 2026.

This is general information about the Veterinary Services Market Investigation Order 2026, not legal advice. Check the Order and the CMA's guidance before relying on it. Rules version 2026-10-21.1.