ACM presents research methods for its market investigation into veterinary services for pets, invites stakeholders to respond

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in 2025 will conduct a market investigation into veterinary services for pets. Now that the preliminary phase of the investigation has been completed, ACM presents its research methods. In this document, ACM explains the background of and its approach to the market investigation. ACM finds it important to include the perspectives from the sector in its investigation. That is why ACM invites vets, pet owners, and other stakeholders to respond or to put forward suggestions.

More than half of all Dutch have a pet. When looking for veterinary services, they can turn to vets, who work with passion and devotion to deliver the best possible care. However, there are also concerns about this market. Pet owners are often taken by surprise by high costs charged by vets, and sometimes need to make difficult and emotionally charged decisions under time pressure. At the same time, demand for veterinary services is growing, and there is a structural shortage of vets and assistants. As a result, pressure on the profession has increased. There are also concerns about a shortage of options for consumers in their own areas, particularly when it comes to emergency services. Recent acquisitions of vet clinics by larger chains may play a role in that.

With this market investigation, ACM will get an overview of whether the market is functioning properly for consumers, as well as of possible bottlenecks. ACM can put forward recommendations for reducing or resolving any problems in this market.

Market investigation into veterinary services for pets

A well-functioning market means that consumers have sufficient choices, are well-informed, and are treated fairly. ACM will investigate whether this is also the case in the market for veterinary services for pets. ACM focuses on three topics:

1. The decision-making process and information position of pet owners;
2. Options for pet owners in specific areas;
3. The business operations and strategies of veterinary-service providers.

Responding to the research method

ACM invites stakeholders to participate in the market investigation by contributing their ideas and thoughts. These stakeholders can be vets, clinics, trade associations, or pet owners, but also others. You can respond to the research method up until 3 June 2025. ACM will incorporate all responses into the market investigation as much as possible.

In order to ensure that this process takes place in a transparent manner, ACM will publish the responses received from businesses and organizations on its website. Responses from pet owners will not be published. Other responses will be published in consultation.

ACM invites stakeholders to respond to this memo using via www.acm.nl/marketstudyvetclinics.

ACM’s market investigations

The investigation into the market for veterinary services for pets is one of several market investigations ACM will conduct in 2025. With market investigations, ACM is able to take a comprehensive look at the underlying causes and effects of a market that may not be functioning properly, even without a suspicion of a violation of the rules. If necessary, ACM can subsequently put forward solutions and make recommendations for measures for the sake of improving the functioning of this market.

ACM plans to publish its provisional findings and recommendations of the market investigation into veterinary services for pets by the end of 2025.