Vets Fret as Private Equity Snaps Up Clinics, Pet Care Companies
In Huntsville, Alabama, veterinarian Melissa Ezell started noticing subtle changes in the dynamic at the midsized animal clinic where she has been employed since 2021. At first, the changes were barely perceptible, but over time, they began to weigh heavily on both the staff and the quality of care they were able to provide. The clinic, owned by National Veterinary Associates—one of the largest veterinary chains in the nation—came under new management in 2020 following its acquisition by JAB Consumer Partners, a global private equity firm based out of Luxembourg.
The most significant shift Ezell noticed was an increasing pressure on veterinarians to generate more revenue from each appointment. Management started pushing for the offering of additional services if a pet owner’s initial spending wasn’t meeting expectations. Additionally, there was an urge from above to cram more appointments into the day, even if it meant extending hours beyond what was once considered normal operating times.
“Before, I never felt any pressure to be making a certain amount of money in a day,” Ezell reflected. “It was just, ‘Fill your schedule, practice good medicine, and everything else will come.'” However, with the new ownership’s focus squarely on profit maximization, the essence of veterinary medicine—at least in the context of this clinic—began to shift noticeably.
This scenario is not unique to Ezell’s employment; it is becoming increasingly common across the United States as private equity firms continue to snap up veterinary clinics and pet care companies at an alarming rate. The allure for these firms lies in the lucrative nature of the pet care industry, driven by a growing pet population and pet owners’ willingness to spend on their animals’ health and well-being. Consequently, this trend raises concerns among veterinary professionals about the potential sacrifice of care quality on the altar of increased profits.
The involvement of private equity in the veterinary sector is not inherently negative. In theory, the influx of capital can allow for expansion, the purchasing of modern equipment, and potentially the enhancement of services offered to pet owners. However, the primary concern among veterinarians like Ezell is whether the push for profit can coexist with the provision of high-quality, compassionate care that animals deserve.
As clinics transition from locally or independently owned operations to being under the umbrella of sprawling corporate conglomerates, the potential for changes in care philosophies and operational priorities is significant. Veterinarians are trained to prioritize the health and well-being of their patients above all else, but when the underlying directive becomes maximization of revenue, the ethical line can start to blur.
The question then becomes one of balance. Can veterinary clinics satisfy the demands of their corporate owners for profitability while still maintaining the high standards of care and ethical considerations that are the cornerstone of the profession? As private equity’s footprint in the veterinary world continues to expand, finding a harmonious balance between these sometimes competing interests becomes increasingly critical. For veterinarians like Ezell, the challenge will remain to navigate these complexities while holding firm to the principles that drew them to the profession in the first place: a commitment to care, compassion, and the well-being of their animal patients.
As the industry evolves under the influence of private equity, only time will tell how this balance will be struck. What remains consistent, however, is the dedication of veterinarians across the country to their craft and to the animals they serve, a factor that will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary medicine.
