Vet clinics being bought up

Has anyone else noticed a local vet clinic being bought by a large corporation? VCA has been scooping up local clinics around here.

https://vcacanada.com/

Most recently, they raised the rates at my clinic that they bought. It didn't occur to them to look at where the clinic is located and perhaps raising the rates will put them out of that neighborhood market.


Follow up question - does anyone really like their vet? Someone who understands working dogs, not fireplace pets. Someone who is a good (not cheap, GOOD - knowledgeable and skilled) practitioner and surgeon for that aforementioned sporting dog.

I agree
Our Vet has recently been bought up as well. The amount of spam mail I started to receive is annoying enough to seek out a new vet.


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I keep a small not for profit kennel of hunting beagles. I'm always trying to maximize benefits and keep costs at a minimum. That puts me at odds with a corporation that has training and marketing programs to maximize profits. My previous long gone "country" vet, who I considered an ally and valuable resource has been replaced by a whole team of vets who cater to the pet trade, complete with a receptionist who refers to me as Rattlers dad. I don't begrudge any professional the right to make a good living, but the value for my money spent has decreased a lot.

I guess I'm lucky. I have a great vet (Lambeth Animal Hospital) who hunts with pointers so understands gun dogs ; fees are very reasonable. Nothing being bought up here of which I am aware . Also have a 24/7 Emergency clinic here.

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Originally Posted by BurlyGirl

Follow up question - does anyone really like their vet? Someone who understands working dogs, not fireplace pets. Someone who is a good (not cheap, GOOD - knowledgeable and skilled) practitioner and surgeon for that aforementioned sporting dog.

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You know I do …. and yes they do understand working dogs! Graham Animal Hospital in Hillsburgh.

Same thing is happening in Ottawa. A gal I know who is a vet worked there for many years but after the ownership changes more of a corporate and less personal atmosphere ensued and she got totally fed up with it and quit. Now she works in one of our small town practices and is much happier.

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Originally Posted by swampsinger

I keep a small not for profit kennel of hunting beagles. I'm always trying to maximize benefits and keep costs at a minimum. That puts me at odds with a corporation that has training and marketing programs to maximize profits. My previous long gone "country" vet, who I considered an ally and valuable resource has been replaced by a whole team of vets who cater to the pet trade, complete with a receptionist who refers to me as Rattlers dad. I don't begrudge any professional the right to make a good living, but the value for my money spent has decreased a lot.

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I understand how you feel. My vet is incredible. While the majority of his clients have pets, he respects and understands that my girls work and on occasion, we have a litter. Considering him an ally is an understatement. I'm happy he is looking out for himself and retiring, but I am preparing for the day he can't take the changes to his clinic and stops seeing patients. Fortunately the clinic staff know and respect me, but when he leaves, I anticipate staffing changes. Argh. The value for my money will decrease a lot. I am already dreading spring shots.

Unfortunately there aren't as many Grads in the last 10-15 years IMO who want to own a Clinic. They are happy working their shifts and going home at the end of the day with no worries about management, hiring, HR, payroll, inventory management, bookkeeping etc. So for retiring age Vets with no one wanting to take over and corporate Vet businesses offering a premium over market value it's an attractive option.
Yes services and established relationships suffer and clients are less happy. The financial backers are happy to get their 10-12% ROI, which is better than most other things and aren't concerned so much about the rest.

VCA has recently bought a clinic which is our "go to" for knees, mystery ailments like Laryngeal Paralysis, old dog issues, dentals, etc. So far the changes are minor, but when our favourite vet retires, it will become just another clinic staffed by pet doctors. Our guy had English Setters and understands the hunting breeds and what they actually do for a living. It's not going to be worth the 150 mile round trip to go there when he is gone.

On the side it's not a new phenomenon, all the local dental offices are going that route too, being bought up in masse. Then they put their own people in there.