CMA October 2025 Announcement – PDSA Statement

15 October 2025

Chief Veterinary Officer, Steve Howard said: “We welcome this report and its aim to make veterinary care easier to access, transparent and more affordable.

“As the UK’s leading vet charity, we see first-hand the pressures that the cost of living crisis has placed on pet owners, particularly those on low incomes. We feel that improving clarity around pricing, ownership structures, and treatment options could help pet owners make more informed decisions - provided such measures do not negatively impact the general availability of care or PDSA’s ability to deliver its charitable veterinary services.

“Demand for PDSA’s services is rising year on year as more pet owners struggle with the cost of living. Our teams work tirelessly to provide vital care to pets in need.

“We will now take some time to consider the detail in the report, how it might affect our own operational practices, as well as whether the recommendations will help pet owners make more informed decisions and have the fair and reasonable access they need to veterinary care and we will respond to the consultation accordingly.”