If you’ve been going to the same vet clinic for years, you might assume it’s still independently vet-owned. But behind the scenes these days, things are often not as they seem. Increasingly, veterinary clinics are being quietly acquired by corporations, keeping the same name while decisions and policies now come from a corporate office that may be in another city or state.
I’ve seen it firsthand. As an ER vet for over a decade, I’ve worked in hundreds of practices, both from corporate-owned large emergency/specialty hospitals with hundreds of employees to chain style general practice clinics to small mom and pop style clinics with under 10 employees. Mostly, notwithstanding the type of ownership, I’ve had full autonomy to practice good medicine. However, I’ve also worked in some corporate-owned facilities where every test and treatment had to be justified against a corporately set revenue goal. It can be very problematic for pets (and their owners) when business executives insert themselves into the veterinary-patient relationship,
How to Tell if Your Clinic Has Gone Corporate
Corporate transitions aren’t always obvious. In fact, oftentimes – to prevent an exodus of clients – newly acquired vet clinics will try to keep the changeover silent. Not uncommonly, the former-owner vet is asked to stay around for a transitional period, but then begins to be personally active and available less and less. Other indications may include a rotating lineup of unfamiliar vets, significant pricing changes, an increase in ‘mandatory’ diagnostics, or pressure to purchase wellness plans. Some clients have told me that in circumstances in which the former vet-owner might have just given reassurances or recommended a period of observation, they now felt pressured into unusual or excessive tests or treatments by unfamiliar doctors.
Understandably, corporate-owned clinics operate under financial targets set by their non-vet owners, which may influence everything from the number, nature and cost of tests recommended, to the type and cost of medications that are stocked. What used to be a purely relationship-driven service profession is now increasingly influenced by spreadsheets and profit margins.
Why a Consistent Vet Matters
One major consequence of corporate buyouts is high veterinarian turnover. Many clients have told me: “I loved my old vet, but the practice was sold and he/she left, and now I never see the same doctor twice.” A veterinarian who knows your pet’s history can make better decisions. Medicine isn’t just about lab results: often it’s about noticing small changes early. With an average of at most 1-2 minutes to review several years of medical notes, new vets may struggle to find the important chart notes, and certainly wont have the benefit of recalling the time your dog had that weird reaction to a certain antibiotic or how you’ve been struggling to keep weight on your cat.
What Can Pet Owners Do?
Ask who owns your clinic. Corporate ownership doesn’t necessarily mean lesser quality care compared to vet-owned practices, but it helps to know how decisions involving your pet’s care are made.
Find a clinic with a stable staff. A rotating lineup of doctors makes continuity of care difficult.
Support independent practices. Many vets leave corporate-owned clinics in order to focus on patient care without financial target pressures.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off — if it seems like you are being pushed into seemingly unnecessary and costly tests, or pricing seems inflated — get a second opinion.
Your pet deserves a veterinarian who truly knows them and makes medical decisions based on what’s best for them — not what’s best for some arbitrary ‘bottom line’.
About The Author
Dr. Ezra Ameis has been a practicing veterinarian for over a decade, specializing in Emergency and Urgent Care medicine. He owns Paw Priority in West Hollywood, LA, which provides general practice, urgent care, and acupuncture.
Dr. Ezra Ameis is an emergency veterinarian and the owner of Paw Priority in West Hollywood, a clinic providing general practice, urgent care, and acupuncture. To suggest a topic or ask a pet-related question, email hello@pp.vet.