UK Vet Price Comparison

Written estimates for vet treatment

The CMA guidance says veterinary businesses must provide a written estimate when recommended treatment costs are reasonably likely to be GBP 500 or more including VAT, with update rules when costs rise materially.

What this means

  • Written estimates are intended for treatment pathways, not just single routine price-list items.
  • The estimate can be a specific figure, a range, or a mix, but should indicate likely costs.
  • CompareVetPricing routine price pages are not substitutes for a treatment estimate from a vet.

Timing

The CMA guidance says larger businesses are due to provide written estimates 9 months from the Order, and smaller businesses 12 months from the Order.

This page was reviewed on 30 April 2026 by CompareVetPricing content operations. The precise legal obligations should be checked against the final Orders and CMA guidance when they are made.

Written estimates for vet treatment | UK Vet Price Comparison