Article 14(15) of the Order. Applies from 23 September 2027. 337 days to go.

Vet written prescriptions: the CMA duty to offer

The prescribing vet must tell the owner, out loud, that a written prescription is available, unless treatment is urgent or the vet must give the medicine.

What the Order requires

An oral offer in every consultation where medicine is prescribed.
Exceptions: clinical urgency, or the vet must administer the medicine.
Written prescriptions then follow Article 15: paper by the end of the consultation, or digital by the end of the second working day.

How to fix it

Add the offer to the consult script and clinical record checklist.

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.