Independent and Proud

Supporting small business doesn’t just feel good, it IS good. Good for helping our neighbors to make a living, good for creating local jobs, good for boosting our town’s economy, and good for sustaining the businesses that make our community unique.

Most people assume their veterinary care provider is a locally owned and operated small business, but that may not be the case anymore. Over the past few decades, many long-established neighborhood veterinary practices have been purchased by large companies or private equity groups who see enormous financial opportunity within the pet care industry.  Locally this has occurred with All Pets Animal Hospital and Carlsbad Animal Hospital. Both of these hospitals were once locally owned small businesses and are now shipping any profits out to corporate headquarters and out of our local community.

These acquisitions tend to not be publicized and there are no obvious changes that would alert clients to the new ownership – at least not right away – so It can be hard to tell the difference between local and corporate-owned hospitals. Eventually, you may start to see modified pricing structures (such as the addition of new fees) doctors and/or staff members you don’t recognize, and the introduction of new policies and procedures.

When it comes to your pet’s care, working with an independently owned and operated veterinarian is a great way to ensure your pet gets personalized medical attention from a provider who has their best interests in mind. We are proud to be locally owned and member of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA), which symbolizes our commitment to our patients, our clients, and the community as a whole.

For more information about the changes taking place: go to vetlocal.us