Written prescription fee
Typical UK price: £15–£21(CMA-capped at £21 (first item) and £12.50 (subsequent items))
What is written prescription fee?
A written prescription from your vet allows you to purchase prescription-only medicines (POM-V) from a pharmacy of your choice, including online pharmacies, rather than buying directly from the vet. This can offer significant savings on medications. Under CMA rules in force from September 2026, vets must issue a written prescription on request and cannot charge more than £21 for the first item or £12.50 for subsequent items on the same prescription.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Number of medicines prescribed — each additional item on the same prescription is capped at £12.50 under CMA rules
- Prescription validity period — prescriptions valid for longer periods may be priced differently
- Whether a consultation was required to issue the prescription — a new condition requires a consultation, whereas repeat prescriptions for stable conditions may be issued without one
- Practice policy — some practices previously bundled prescription fees into consultations; CMA rules now require transparency
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a written prescription from my vet?
Yes — under the CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order, your vet must provide a written prescription if you request one. They can only decline in limited clinical circumstances (e.g. if the medicine is not available from external pharmacies). They cannot refuse simply because they prefer you to buy from them.
How much can my vet charge for a written prescription?
From September 2026, the CMA caps prescription fees at £21 for the first item and £12.50 for each subsequent item on the same prescription. Vets who charge more than this are in breach of the Order.
Can I use a written prescription at any pharmacy?
Yes — you can use a vet prescription at any registered veterinary pharmacy, including reputable online pharmacies such as VetUK, PetDrugs Online, and Animed Direct. Always check the pharmacy is registered with the RCVS or the VMD before purchasing.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.