By bizn_fun 
The CMA’s final report on the vet industry is expected by the spring but no date has been set for publication.
In its provisional report, it proposed improved transparency on pricing and vet ownership.
Companies would have to reveal if vet practices were part of a chain, and whether they had business connections with hospitals, out-of-hours surgeries, online pharmacies and even crematoria.
IVC, CVS and Vet Partners all have connected businesses and would have to be more transparent about their services in the future.
Pets at Home does not buy practices – it works in partnership with individual vets, as does Medivet. These companies have consistently made clear in their branding who owns their practices.
The big companies say they support moves to make the industry more transparent so long as they don’t put too high a burden on vets.
David Reader says the CMA proposals could have gone further.
“There’s good reason to think that once this investigation is concluded, some of the larger veterinary groups will continue with their acquisition strategies.”
The CMA says its proposals would “improve competition by helping pet owners choose the right vet, the right treatment, and the right way to buy medicine – without confusion or unnecessary cost”.
For Rob Jones, however, it is probably too late.
“I honestly wouldn’t get another pet,” he says. “I think it’s so expensive now and the risk financially is so great.”