16/04/2026
An update for our clients following the CMA investigation
We are aware that the recent findings and recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have raised questions and concerns for many pet owners. We understand that
this can feel unsettling, and we wanted to take the opportunity to speak openly with you about how this relates to our practice.
At Wishing Well Vets, we are a small, independently run practice led by vets. We also have two sister practices in Callander and Stirling, which some of you may already know. We are not part of a corporate group, and we are proud to remain independent, as this allows us to prioritise personalised, patient-focused care.
We welcome the CMA’s investigation into the veterinary sector and recognise that there is always room to improve transparency and consistency across the profession. At the same time, we feel it is important to explain how some of these recommendations work in practice, and how they may affect the care we provide for your pets.
Prescriptions:-
We have always offered written prescriptions for non-emergency medications and will continue to do so. Many of you will have seen reminders of this in our consulting rooms and reception areas.
In some situations, however, a written prescription may not be appropriate straight away. For example, when a pet requires antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication for an acute
condition, timely treatment is essential. Obtaining medication via a written prescription can take several days, which may not be in your pet’s best interest at that moment. In these cases, we may recommend starting treatment directly to ensure your pet receives prompt care. There are also regulatory considerations, such as the prescribing “cascade”, which requires us to prioritise licensed veterinary medicines where available.
Monitoring long-term medication
For pets receiving ongoing (chronic) medication, we recommend regular health checks (typically every six months) and, where appropriate, blood testing. All medications carry the potential for side effects. Monitoring allows us to ensure that treatment remains safe and effective, and to make adjustments if needed. Our aim is always to support your pet’s long-term health and quality of life.
If you have concerns about stress for your pet or financial considerations, please speak to our team. We are always happy to discuss options and find practical solutions where possible.
Prescription duration:-
We aim to prescribe the maximum appropriate amount of medication whenever possible.
However, this can vary depending on:
• The type of medication (for example, controlled drugs are legally limited to 30 days with no repeats)
• Your pet’s clinical condition
• The need for ongoing monitoring
Your vet will always be happy to explain this at the time of prescribing.
Pricing and transparency:-
Providing clear and transparent pricing has always been important to us. We communicate any price changes in advance where possible, and we are working towards publishing a comprehensive price list in the coming months.
In the meantime, you are always welcome to ask our team about the cost of procedures. We routinely provide written, itemised estimates before treatment, either during your consultation
or via email, so you can clearly understand how costs are structured.
It is also worth noting that veterinary procedures can vary significantly between patients. For example, a young, otherwise healthy pet requiring simple imaging will differ greatly from an
older patient needing additional tests, monitoring, or supportive care. Because of this variability, it is not always possible to provide fixed prices for procedures such as dentals or imaging without overestimating costs in many cases.
We understand that this is a challenging time, with increasing pressures from the cost of living affecting many households. We remain committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based
veterinary care while being as open and supportive as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with our team, we are here to help.
Thank you for your continued trust in us and for allowing us to care for your pets.
The team at Wishing Well Vets
