A Pets at Home spokesperson said: “We are incredibly disappointed the CMA's findings do not fully reflect our unique business model of locally-owned vet practices. Whilst our brand is national, our veterinary practices are led by individual entrepreneurial vets who have clinical and operational freedom. They choose all pricing, products and services to ensure the best care for clients and their much-loved pets in their local area, which promotes competition in the market and helps to keep prices low.

“We have been working closely with the CMA on their areas of concern and will continue to do so as their inquiry progresses to ensure the distinctiveness of our model is fully recognised.”

Pets at Home runs for 448 vet practices across the UK under its brand Vets for Pets.