Sheena Chadwick, a labrador lover, knows just how difficult it is to put into words the affection we have for our pets. 

But when her 14-year-old labrador, Daisy, was put to sleep she did not expect the response she received from the vet's practice when she phoned the next day. 

Sheena said: "They did the deed, and then we went home. I was just on the floor. 

"But then the following day, I rang the vet practice to see what was what, because we were having her cremated.

"And then I was told in the snootiest terms, 'they won't be collecting the body until you pay the bill.'

"I thought, I can't believe I've just heard that." 

The number of independent vet practices has tumbled over the last decade as large corporations have begun to dominate the industry.

Around 1,500 of the 5,000 vet practices in the UK have been acquired by corporate groups since 2013 - with independent practices falling from 89 per cent in 2013 to 45 per cent in 2021. 

And while it is not the case that one-size fits all with corporate practices, there has been growing worry among some pet owners and vets about the potential impacts. 

So much so, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a full review.

The watchdog is investigating whether consumers are getting the information they need, at the right time to make informed decisions. 

It is also assessing whether larger corporations may be incentivised to act in a way that reduces choice for consumers and weakens competition. 

The CMA – which plans to publish its findings in September - has also suggested the regulatory framework, which currently only holds vets and vet nurses to account.

For Sheena, the review does not go far enough. 

A number of pet owners have expressed concerns about a decline in customer care as the corporations tighten their grip on the sector.

When Sheena's second labrador, Isla, fell ill, she initially took her to a corporate-owned hospital. 

But after feeling unhappy with the way the practice's attitude and being told the next step of a CT scan would cost £2,100 she decided to explore her options. 

She went to an independent practice instead. 

"It was like going into a different world," said the 67-year-old, who has had labradors since she was 18. 

"Everybody in there was nice. They explained everything. They weren't rushing round like headless chickens." 

Gemma Dudley, from Nantwich, also highlighted the difference in experience a corporate practice has from an independent. 

She told Nub News: "I just feel like when I used a corporate that my worries and concerns were sort of brushed off.

"Whereas the independent vets that I use now, I could hand on heart recommend them to absolutely everybody. 

"I think it has had a huge impact on the trust we experience as pet owners with vets." 

And it's not just the pet owners who are saying this. 

Harriet Wright, who used to work for a corporate owned practice and now is the director of her own independent practice, Thornton Wright Equine, said: "I think clients have just lost faith and decided to go elsewhere. 

"And I don't think that's necessarily anything to do with the standard of care that their animals are receiving from the vet, I don't think that's changed.

"I just think that they are finding that the costs have increased so much that it's not worth staying especially if they don't feel like they're getting the same experience and same service." 

But some consumers have had positive experiences with corporate vet practices. 

Tara Cooper, from Nantwich, told Nub News: "My dog is quite fussy. 

"She's not keen on men, so they tend to make allowances and if the vet she prefers is on shift they will swap to her. So, she is a lot calmer." 

The XL Bully owner also said how she felt the price she paid for treatment was fair. 

Tara said: "The price for everything was £370 and that was it. 

"There was no hidden extra, there was no 'you'll need these meds, or you'll need that.'" 

But for others, corporate prices remain a concern. 

In a survey conducted in 2024 by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 46 per cent of respondents said the affordability of veterinary services, across both independent and corporate practices, was one of the main challenges of the profession - an increase from 30 per cent in 2019.

Another big cause of concern among vets within the survey was the continuing trend of changes to ownership structures, through corporate acquisition of independents. 

This was identified as one of the top five challenges within the profession, with 40 per cent identifying it as a concern, some vets related these changes in ownership structures to higher charges to clients. 

Harriet said: "I think animal pet owners should be insuring their animals so that they don't have to worry about cost. 

"But I do agree the corporate pricing system is far above what it should be. 

"When I look at what things cost us in comparison to what we used to charge when I worked at a corporate, there is definitely a discrepancy there." 

Vets are often on the brunt end of the prices set by corporate overheads. 

"You have to develop a bit of a backbone as a vet when it comes to clients who can't afford vet care," said Harriet, 30. 

"Whether that is because corporates have increased prices or whether it's because they haven't got insurance. 

"But it can really get at you, it is awful for the individual, and we all know that the veterinary profession carries one of the highest suicide rate of all the professions. 

"I wouldn't say that is necessarily a new thing, but maybe vet's mental health is suffering more, because more clients can't afford the pricing." 

A key concern the CMA is investigating is whether large corporations may be motivated to act in a way that reduces choice for consumers, meaning pet owners are left paying huge mark-ups on medicines or prescriptions. 

Gemma explained how her daughter pays a £90 prescription fee every month for her French Bulldog who has allergies. 

But when her daughter and the dog came home to visit and needed a repeat prescription, they went to an independent vet and paid £50 less for the same medication. 

"It just goes to show from independent to corporate what mark-up they're actually making on just medications alone," said Gemma, 43. 

Despite this, one argument regarding animal healthcare, is often overlooked. 

President of the British Veterinary Association, Elizabeth Mullineaux, said: "Whilst it can seem costly, with no NHS for pets, the price reflects the investment all types of practices need to make to remain financially viable, open and ready to treat animals coming through their doors.

"It is essentially private healthcare, and because we have an NHS, consumers aren't really aware of what everything costs," said Harriet, who recalled one corporation pushing her to sell more. 

"There was more of a push on needing to be selling more, getting clients on to supplements and trying to generate more work for ourselves."

Harriet stressed that recommendations were always made in alignment with the animal's welfare. 

However, change may be coming. 

Potential outcomes of the CMA review may include limits on the maximum fees for prescriptions, and require certain information is communicated to consumers. 

The CMA may also recommend changes to the regulatory framework to the government. 

Whatever the solution is, one thing seems clear. 

The veterinary profession has changed since corporatisation took hold. 

Both vets and pet owners will be waiting to see what the outcome of the CMA review is when it is published in September.