So Your Vet Clinic Got Bought by a Corporation – Now What?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about corporate veterinary medicine, and let’s just say… some of it hasn’t been great.

If you’ve read the recent CBC article, you might be thinking that every vet clinic that’s been bought by a company like VetStrategy is now just a cold, heartless money-making machine. And let’s be real—that narrative sucks for those of us who are actually out here doing the work.

First of All, Yelling at Receptionists Isn’t a Power Move

Look, I get that people are upset. You love your pets, you’re worried about rising costs, and then you find out your local "mom-and-pop" vet clinic has been bought by a corporation. But please, I am begging you—do not take that frustration out on the clinic staff. We didn’t wake up one day and decide, “Hey, let’s sell our souls and raise all the prices just for fun.” The reality is, most veterinarians have zero control over whether a clinic gets bought by a corporate group. That’s a decision made by the practice owner, and in many cases, it's because running a private vet clinic has become really difficult.

But you know what hasn’t changed? The people inside those clinics. The receptionists who love your goofy Labrador, the techs who sneak extra snuggles with your cat before surgery (for real), and the veterinarians who literally lose sleep over their patients.

So… How Can You Tell If a Vet Clinic Has Been Bought Out by a Corporation?

If you’re wondering whether your local clinic is now part of a corporate network like VetStrategy, here are a few ways to find out:

1. Ask Us! – Seriously, just ask. Any clinic that has been acquired should be transparent about it.

2. Check the Website – Many corporate-owned clinics will be listed on the parent company’s website (VetStrategy, VCA, NVA, etc.).

3. Look for Subtle Changes – Some corporate clinics maintain the same name and branding, but you might notice things like a new website format, updated policies, or online appointment booking systems.

   
   
   
   

“But Corporate Clinics Are Just In It for the Money!”

I hear this one a lot. And I won’t sit here and pretend that corporations aren’t businesses—of course, they are. But let’s be honest… every vet clinic, corporate or not, needs to make money to stay open. The difference isn’t always in the ownership, but in how the clinic is run.

At the end of the day, the individuals working in these clinics are still the same people who got into veterinary medicine because they love animals. We’re still fighting for your pets, still working overtime, still trying to balance quality care with affordability. If a corporate structure allows us to access better equipment, more continuing education, and a stronger support system—why is that automatically a bad thing?

Seriously... The first thing that VCA does when they acquire a clinic is bring it into the 21st Century! Like adding digital radiology, or dental radiology, and even digital medical records - why are we still writing on paper? It's not like anyone can read the doctor's handwriting anyway!

All of that equates to better quality care for your pets.

Pricing Varies—Here’s Why

One of the biggest complaints we hear is about pricing, and I get it—vet care can be expensive. But here’s the thing: prices aren’t set arbitrarily, and they vary depending on location.

For example, if you’re in Toronto, your vet bill is probably going to be higher than someone’s bill in New Brunswick. Why? Because everything costs more in Toronto. Rent is higher, wages are higher, supplies cost more to ship—everything is just more expensive. That’s not a corporate greed thing; that’s just basic economics.

Even within a city, you’ll find differences. A clinic in downtown Toronto isn’t going to have the same prices as one in a smaller suburb. The same way a cup of coffee or a haircut costs more in the city than it does in a rural town, veterinary care follows the same pattern.

The Bottom Line

Corporate vet medicine isn’t the villain here. The real issue is the rising cost of everything—medications, supplies, wages, and rent. But none of that is an excuse to take your anger out on the front desk staff, the techs, or the veterinarians who are working so hard to help your pets.

So next time you find out a clinic has been bought by VetStrategy or another corporate group, don’t assume the worst. Ask questions, get to know the team, and remember—we’re still here, still fighting for your pets, and still doing everything we can to provide the best care possible.

And please, for the love of all things furry and four-legged (or tripawd), be kind to the people answering the phones. They deserve it. ❤️

Just in case you missed it and want more info... Here you are!