How long can independent vets survive, an article from Dog World.
http://www.dogworld.co.uk/story.php/177937/2155/will_the_independent_vet_survive__
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At the moment my vets are independent. Hereās hoping that they stay that way. I do like the consistency and feel like they only treat as necessary. A colleague had a very different experience with vets4pets down the road. They wanted to do expensive surgery on her spaniel. Another vet sorted the problem with a course of antibiotics! Rather worrying that the animals best interest is secondary to profit.
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Medivet secures funding for new practices.
http://www.petgazette.biz/14337-medivet-secures-20m-funding-new-practices/
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Iām not really biased toward any practice, independent or not, as over time my choices are pro the skills needed for the particular animal and if the Vet is āup to the markā (in my view ;)) then that is the vet for me!
Over the years Iāve found that itās not always easy to access out-of-hours care and sometimes this makes noticeable difference to getting a pet treated quickly. For that reason I like that Medivet has 24 hour hospitals serving their immediately surrounding areas, with previous & current medical information instantly available for all (Medivet) registered pets.
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Medivet announces plans to slow short-term growth. https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/medivet-announces-plans-to-slow-short-term-growth/
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Medivet continue expansion.https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/medivet-picks-up-pace-with-250th-practice-acquisition/
Mars set to buy Linnaeus Group. https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/mars-set-to-buy-linnaeus-group/
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US veterinary consultant Bash Halow spoke at the Veterinary Marketing Associationās debate at the House of Lords in June, Adapt or Die.
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/adapt-or-die-independents-face-difficult-future-veterinary-consultant/
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Key pet names eye up vets. https://www.petbusinessworld.co.uk/news/feed/key-pet-names-eye-up-vets
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My independent practice is a stand alone business working from one site. The practice is unique in the area offering holistic treatments (but not dismissing western approach where clinically appropriate). They have 24/7 on call nurse support but, (understandably) ,
refer out of hour emergencies to another practice (belonging to a local independent group consisting of 4 practices).
The only downside for me is that an out of hours emergency drive for me is 45 minsā¦acceptable for a minor fracture, not so good for clinical presentations requiring time critical veterinary intervention.
I welcome new competition that drives down prices of independents that charge daft amounts. Small independents or stand alone practices offering exemplary &/or unique services should still do ok unless big chains significantly under price independents and take their clients.
I actually used to be registered with companion care within the local PAH store & prior to PAH taking over.
This news isnāt new, however viewers of the tv series āThe Yorkshire Vetā may be interested.
http://mrcvs.co.uk/en//news/16994/Vet-departs-original-āJames-Herriotā-practice
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Veterinary group sold to Mars Petcare division. https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/veterinary-group-sold-to-mars-petcare-division
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The BBC has been reporting on veterinary surgeons. The Radio 4 programme You and Yours on Friday covered the topic and they said that over half of practices have been bought out by about a handful of large companies. The piece is circa 20 minutes into the programme.
Countryfile also reported on the subject in the last episode and discussed take overs as well as the chronic shortage of vets. Apparently there is a significant problem of burnout leading to vets leaving the profession and even suicide. It was pointed out that some vets preferred to be bought out as it left them free of the administration and allowed them to just practise their profession. There is also the argument that investment in equipment etc is better due to the financial backing. I seem to remember that the lady who was interviewed said that investment in veterinary practices is lucrative.
Just wondering if anyone has any opinions on this? Is your vet independent or is the practice owned by one of the handful of big companies?
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In my opinion the big companies want full control of the UK vets, small animal, farm, equine, referrals and anything else which is why I started the
https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/forum/general-dog-chat/10/will-the-independent-vet-survive/ thread. Where this eventually leaves the pet owner remains to be seen. My vet practice is a rural independent practice, whether it remains so only time will tell. Will they allow an holistic approach and what about raw feeding?
Who are Medivet and Why are Mars Interested?! https://dogsfirst.ie/who-are-medivet/
Medivet Top Brass Appears not to Support Raw Feedersā¦ https://dogsfirst.ie/medivet-top-brass-appears-not-to-support-raw-feeders/
British Horse Vets Vote Against Corporatization. https://thehorse.com/136641/british-horse-vets-vote-against-corporatization/#sthash.wl6DaYX3.gbpl
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Thank you Seaweed - I recalled that we already had a thread about this but couldnāt locate it. :-[ Iāve now merged them.
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Our vet was recently taken over by a large company. The first thing we lost was a 24 hour emergency service 
Shortly before the takeover, two very long standing and trusted vets āretiredā
Nestle Purina partners with IVC, vet chain. https://www.nestle.com/media/news/nestle-purina-petcare-independent-vetcare-group-international-partnership
Vet care consolidation, is the CMA about to intervene? https://www.petgazette.biz/23892-vet-care-consolidation-is-the-cma-about-to-intervene/
Anne Norton, wife of TVās The Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton, speaks about changes to veterinary life.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/country-life/anne-norton-wife-of-tv-s-the-yorkshire-vet-julian-norton-speaks-about-changes-to-veterinary-life-1-9723733
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Crazychowchowmum - I have moved your post endorsing this company into a thread in the appropriate Classifieds section - link. You are welcome to add to that thread if you wish but please do not continue to use forum threads for this purpose.
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Telemedicine to be launched by top UK vet group. https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/telemedicine-to-be-launched-by-top-uk-vet-group/
https://www.myfamilypet.co.uk/online-vets