UK veterinary practices adopt Crisis Compass to navigate tighter transparency laws and online scrutiny

Companion Consultancy launches Crisis Compass, a specialised crisis response service for UK vet practices facing stricter transparency reforms and growing online scrutiny, amid recent CMA measures and sector challenges.

With UK vet practices facing binding transparency reforms later in 2026 and sharper online scrutiny, Companion Consultancy has launched Crisis Compass, described by Vetpol as the sector’s first dedicated crisis-preparation and response service. The offer combines a bespoke risk review, pre-drafted statements, media guidance and 24-hour support; Fiona Farmer said it was built after seeing practices hit by “negative online stories that spread faster than they could respond to”.

In March, the Competition and Markets Authority concluded its pet-vet inquiry with measures including fuller standard price lists, written estimates for treatment expected to cost £500 or more, prescription-fee caps of £21 and £12.50, and clearer chain ownership branding, with some changes due before Christmas. That tougher environment helps explain demand for structured communications support: Rosica Communications says a single hostile post can reach thousands within minutes and recommends a written plan, a trained spokesperson and active monitoring of reviews and social channels.

Companion has been packaging specialist services for years: Vet Report covered its 2023 design-studio launch for websites and podcasts, Vet Click reported a 2025 debt-recovery “Compass” after sector bad debt was estimated at £265m-£530m a year, and Veterinary Woman said the agency, led by three vets, has supported the sector for more than 20 years. On its own site in 2019, the firm was already urging practices to speak first to the animal owner, prepare a position statement and protect staff wellbeing, suggesting the launch is less a rebrand than a formalisation of existing counsel for a market now under closer scrutiny.