The UK veterinary sector is entering a period of meaningful change. New CMA remedies are sharpening the focus on pricing transparency and documented decision-making, while RCVS guidance continues to define what valid, informed consent actually looks like. For practices, the real challenge isn't understanding the expectations — it's implementing them consistently, day in and day out.

The direction of travel: transparency and accountability

The CMA's final remedies are designed to ensure pet owners receive clear and timely pricing information, are given written estimates for higher-cost procedures, can make informed decisions based on structured information, and have access to documented records of what was discussed and agreed.

RCVS guidance reinforces the same direction. Consent must be informed, clearly communicated, properly documented, and supported by a written record.

Together, these frameworks are pushing the profession toward a more structured, transparent, and auditable model of client communication.

What good consent looks like

According to RCVS guidance, a compliant consent process should include:

  • A clear explanation of the procedure in plain language
  • Confirmation that risks, benefits, and alternatives have been discussed
  • A cost estimate, including potential additional charges
  • Confirmation that the person signing has authority to consent
  • A statement that the client had the opportunity to ask questions
  • A signed and dated record, ideally with a staff witness

> The consent form is not the conversation itself — it is the documented record of that conversation.

The implementation gap in most practices

Traditionally, many practices rely on a patchwork of paper forms or static PDFs, verbal explanations that vary between clinicians, and separate systems for estimates, notes, and consent. The result is predictable: inconsistent communication, gaps between what is discussed and what is recorded, and a higher risk of misunderstandings or complaints.

With the CMA now placing greater emphasis on documentation and transparency, those gaps become much harder to ignore.

How VetCheck supports both CMA and RCVS requirements

VetCheck is designed to help practices move from manual, variable processes to structured, consistent workflows — while staying firmly aligned with professional standards.

1. Structured, plain-language communication

VetCheck presents procedures and treatments in a clear, standardised format, giving every clinician the same starting point and every client the same quality of explanation. Consistent, client-friendly language is exactly what RCVS expects around informed consent.

2. Integrated estimates and pricing transparency

In line with CMA requirements, itemised estimates can be included within the consent process itself. Expected costs and potential variations are presented clearly, and there is a documented link between what was discussed and what was approved.

3. Digital consent with a full audit trail

VetCheck captures client acknowledgement of risks, benefits, and alternatives, confirmation of authority to consent, timestamped digital signatures, and a complete record of what was presented and when. The result is a robust audit trail that supports both compliance and defensibility if queries or complaints arise.

4. A standardised consent structure

Consent workflows can reflect best-practice structure — procedure description, risks and alternatives, anaesthesia consent where applicable, cost estimates, emergency authorisation, and confirmation statements — so the key RCVS elements are covered consistently, every time.

5. Consistency across the whole team

By embedding consent, estimates, and communication into a single workflow, VetCheck reduces variation between team members and ensures nothing gets missed during busy clinical periods.

Beyond compliance: a better client experience

Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. The real opportunity is to improve how your practice communicates with clients full stop. Clear, structured communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, supports better decision-making, and strengthens the client relationship over time.

> When consent becomes a collaborative decision rather than a signature on a form, clients feel more confident — and your team feels more protected.

The bottom line

The CMA remedies and RCVS guidance point in the same direction: greater transparency, better documentation, and more consistent communication. The question for every practice now is simply how to get there in practice.

VetCheck supports that transition by structuring consent and communication workflows, integrating pricing and estimates, and creating clear, auditable records. It helps practices meet regulatory expectations while delivering a more consistent, client-focused standard of care.

If you'd like to see how VetCheck can streamline consent and communication in your own practice, get in touch with our team for a walkthrough.