Corporate Vet Clinics: Why Vet Fees Are Rising
What Corporate Vet Clinics Mean for You and Your Pet
Many pet parents are seriously concerned about the rising cost of veterinary care. I hear it constantly.
“How can it cost that much just to see the vet?”
“Why are bills suddenly so high?”
You are not imagining it. Fees have gone up. A lot.
Let’s talk about why.
The Rise of Corporate Veterinary Clinics
A recent BBC investigation looked at the connection between rising vet fees and corporate ownership of veterinary practices.
In the UK, prices increased nearly 65 percent between 2016 and 2023. If that trend continued, costs today could be close to double what they were a decade ago.
There are now six major corporate veterinary groups in the UK controlling about 60 percent of clinics. In North America, corporate ownership is especially high in specialty and referral practices, often over 50 percent. General practice is lower, but growing.
Corporate clinics are now everywhere. Even in small towns.
What Veterinarians Are Reporting
In that BBC report, veterinarians working in corporate clinics described increasing pressure to generate revenue.
They described internal monitoring systems. Checklists. Required offerings. Standard operating procedures.
Did you see gingivitis? Offer diagnostics.
Signs of arthritis? Recommend X-rays.
Consider sedation.
Add testing.
All of it increases the average client transaction.
Many clinics track KPIs. Key performance indicators.
How many X-rays were done.
How many ultrasounds.
How many dentals.
Revenue per client.
Practices are compared monthly.
Top 25 percent marked green.
Bottom 25 percent marked red.
What message does that send?
When revenue becomes the benchmark, pressure builds.
Corporate representatives say patient welfare comes first. But when graphs are presented monthly and revenue is compared practice to practice, the pressure is real.
Real Stories From Pet Parents
The BBC cited cases of:
-
£5,600 bills for short hospital stays
-
£13,000 in diagnostics without clear answers
-
Surgeries exceeding $10,000
Emergency situations are stressful. Most of us say, “Do whatever it takes.”
Then the bill arrives.
Why Costs Have Gone Up
To be fair, veterinary expenses have genuinely increased.
Veterinarian salaries have risen.
Entry level salaries in the US are near $100,000.
Median salaries around $150,000.
Some higher earners over $200,000.
Staffing, insurance, equipment, and overhead are all more expensive.
Fees rising makes sense.
Fees doubling in a few years raises questions.
What You Can Do
You will still need veterinary care. I do too.
Here is what I suggest.
1. Build a Relationship With an Independent Vet
If possible, find a locally owned clinic. Many are still out there. Independent vets often have more flexibility and less corporate pressure.
2. Be an Active Participant
Before any procedure or test, ask:
-
What is this for?
-
Is it necessary?
-
What are the alternatives?
-
What will it cost?
Be clear that you want consent before additional diagnostics are added.
Clear communication prevents unpleasant surprises.
3. Learn Basic Home Care
The more you understand, the more confident you become.
Simple wound care.
Anal gland expression.
Natural allergy support.
Preventive dental care.
Education gives you options.
My Bottom Line
Corporate ownership is a significant factor in rising fees. That does not mean every corporate clinic is bad or every independent clinic is perfect.
But incentives matter.
Develop a good relationship with a veterinarian you trust. Ask questions. Stay informed. Be proactive about prevention.
An engaged pet parent is one of the most powerful tools for keeping costs reasonable and pets healthy.
I hope this gives you clarity. And I hope your pets are doing well.
Click To Get A Free Copy of My E-Book!
