East Devon pet owners already ahead of new veterinary transparency rules, says Devon practice

Pet owners in East Devon are already benefiting from the openness and transparency that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is now calling for in the UK veterinary market, according to independent local practice Estuary Vets.

Published on Wednesday 15th October and widely reported by national media, the CMA’s provisional findings highlighted pet owners are often unaware of the price of treatments, and are not given estimates by veterinary practices, resulting in large, unexpected bills. Now, the watchdog is calling for practices to publish price lists, giving pet owners the opportunity to shop around.

Welcoming the report, Estuary Vets – based at Odhams Wharf, Topsham – says its independent model, from open pricing to ethical prescribing, shows how local practices can lead the way in fair, community-focused pet care.

Paul Neilson, Business Director at Estuary Vets, commented: “As a locally owned and fully independent practice, we’ve always believed in clear, honest communication with our clients. Our core price list has been available online since day one, including VAT, and we provide full estimates before any significant or long-term treatment starts. When savings are made, we pass them directly to our clients — it’s that simple.”

Veterinary Surgeon Robert Somerwill added: “From the outset, we have been relaxed about discussing online pharmacies as a location for sourcing medication, often proactively bringing it up in conversation with our clients. Medication sales are very much an aside when it comes to the Estuary Vets’ business model, with our focus being on providing the best professional services for pets and their owners. Our prescription fee rates have always been competitive in terms of the local market and are in line with the recommendations from the CMA. We are happy to offer free-of-charge written prescriptions to all Wellness Plan members for antiparasitic medications from the outset.”

In light of the CMA recommending vets should proactively tell pet owners the savings they could make by purchasing medication online, Estuary Vets stresses the importance of safety standards when looking at online sources. Harriet Sharp, Veterinary Surgeon at Estuary Vets, commented: “We always advise clients to use VMD-accredited pharmacies if sourcing medication online. It ensures the same high quality and safety standards as the medicines we dispense at our practice.”

Since opening in May 2025, Estuary Vets has been serving pet owners across Topsham, Exeter, the wider Exe Estuary area and East Devon, offering full first-opinion care including orthopaedic work, diagnostics, and wellness plans in partnership with VetSure, another independent organisation.

Charlotte Watts and Tracy Connor, Lead Nurses, commented: “The Exe Estuary community has been incredibly supportive of our new practice. As a team we’re really proud to serve our local community and their pets.”

Estuary Vets continues to welcome new client registrations to its purpose-built clinic near Topsham. To learn more or register your pet, visit www.estuary.vet email hello@estuary.vet or telephone 01395 205050.