Market investigation into veterinary services for pets: final report and responses to the public consultation

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has conducted a market investigation into the market for veterinary services for pets in the Netherlands. With this market investigation, ACM has examined whether this market is functioning properly and where potential bottlenecks are.

ACM has published the final report, after stakeholders such as pet owners, vets, and businesses and organizations had had the opportunity to submit their opinions regarding the report during the consultation period. Following an extensive consultation, the conclusions and recommendations have been worked out and sharpened further in the final report. Also, one more recommendation has been added.

Findings of the market investigation: protect pet owners against the risk of higher prices and overtreatment

The market investigation has revealed that pet owners must be protected better against the increased risk of higher prices and treatments that go beyond what is suitable for animal and owner. In its report, ACM puts forward recommendations for creating safeguards that protect pet owners, similar to safeguards in medical care for humans.

ACM is in contact with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) as well as with the sector to discuss the findings of the market investigation as well as how to follow up on the recommendations.

ACM describes the results of the consultation, and publishes the responses

The final report came about after a public consultation on the provisional findings and recommendations, which were published in December 2025. ACM received 84 responses to the draft report, submitted by pet owners, independent professionals, and businesses and organizations. In addition, ACM organized a meeting, which was attended by a broad group of market participants.

In order to do justice to the many valuable insights from market participants, the final report contains an extensive annex in which ACM has summarized the written responses and the input from the consultation meeting per topic and recommendation. ACM has indicated and substantiated whether these responses have led to adjustments to the final report.

ACM publishes all responses from businesses and organizations at the bottom of this page. Some have been published in an overview document, while others have been published as separate opinions. In this way, ACM wishes to be as transparent as possible about how any adjustments to this final report have come about. ACM also publishes the responses from vets and paravets. They were given the option of having their responses published. ACM does not publish responses from pet owners.

Ensuring that markets work well for people and businesses

ACM is committed to ensuring that markets work well for all people and businesses, now and in the future. With market investigations, it identifies the underlying causes of why markets are not functioning properly, and what solutions are necessary for improving that functioning.

More information about this market investigation as well as an overview of all publications, please visit this site:

Market investigation into veterinary services for pets | ACM (in Dutch)

Documents

Final report ACM Market investigation into veterinary services for pets (PDF - 6.5 MB)

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