Vet prescription fees to be capped under rule changes

However, Cate Titterton, the owner of an independent vet service in Saltburn, told BBC Your Voice 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.

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.