Article 11 of the Order. Applies from 23 September 2027. 337 days to go.

Written estimate £500 vets: the CMA estimate rules

Give a written estimate when treatment is likely to cost £500 or more including VAT, and update it if the likely cost rises by 20% or £500, whichever is lower.

What the Order requires

Triggered when the plan is likely to cost £500 or more including VAT and the future part is more than 20% of that.
Given by the end of the next working day, unless the owner declines or it is an emergency.
Re-estimate when the likely cost rises by 20% or £500, whichever is lower.
Estimates kept for 12 months. The £500 figure is linked to CPI from 1 April 2028.

How to fix it

Create an estimate template in your practice management system and a re-estimate trigger for the team.

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.