What does the cryptic crossword clue "Iris controls this small animal, not quite needing a vet? (5)" mean?

The definition is "Iris". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PUP (synonym="PUP") + IL (synonym="IL") = PUPIL; definition: "Iris" The answer is PUPIL.

Iris controls this small animal, not quite needing a vet? (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29605 | 11 Across | 2025-01-30 flower

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