However, Cate Titterton, the owner of an independent vet service in Saltburn, told the BBC the changes will make trips to the vets more expensive for customers.
“Veterinary practices still have to have a pharmacy that is fully stocked, so if we’re not making that tiny profit on the drugs, we’re going to have to make some profit elsewhere.
“So, things like services, consultations, surgeries – unfortunately, those prices are very, very likely to have to go up.”
She believes there is “one clear winner” from this – larger vet groups and the corporates.
Cat Henstridge, another vet, said it was “wonderful” that businesses must now make clear if they are part of a large group, but noted that such groups “have not actually been asked to change their ownership of any clinics or anything like that”.
Speaking on the Today programme, she advised pet owners who are worried about the cost of care to “be open and honest with your vet about what is affordable for you”.
“There is always going to be a bill. Veterinary medicine is private medicine. Owning a pet does come with the responsibility of paying for their care.
“[By] working with us, we can make it work for you, but you have to tell us about it first,” she said.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams said veterinary practices were already largely working to the CMA’s remedies, including the orders relating to complaints handling, price estimates for routine procedures and prescription costs.
“We’ve been clear with the CMA throughout its investigation that it must ensure its remedies do not disproportionately impact smaller, independent practices and we’ve pushed back where we’ve had concerns,” Williams said.