Our pets are part of our families. We trust our veterinarians to provide them with the best care possible. But today, this trust is being threatened. Private equity firms are buying up veterinary practices at an alarming rate. Their goal is not to care for our pets, but to maximize profits at any cost¹.

Rising Costs and Decreasing Quality

Private equity firms have poured billions into the veterinary sector, acquiring small, independent practices and rolling them into larger chains. This consolidation is leading to a sharp rise in costs for pet owners. Veterinary service prices have increased by nearly 10% in just the past year—far outpacing general inflation². For many families, these rising costs mean difficult decisions about whether they can afford the care their pets need.

But it’s not just about money. As these firms focus on profits, the quality of care our pets receive is deteriorating. Veterinarians are under increasing pressure to generate revenue. They’re often required to push unnecessary tests and procedures, not because they’re needed, but because they increase the bottom line³. This focus on profits over care is not just unethical—it’s dangerous.

Veterinarians Under Pressure

Veterinarians themselves are suffering under these conditions. Many report feeling burned out, overwhelmed by increased workloads and the relentless pressure to meet financial targets. The work that once brought them joy—caring for our beloved pets—has become a source of stress and frustration⁴.

The Threat to Independent Practices

The future of independent veterinary practices is also at risk. With the rise of corporate-owned chains, small, community-based clinics are struggling to compete. Many veterinarians who had hoped to own their own practices are finding themselves outbid by large corporations, leaving them with little choice but to work under corporate control or leave the profession altogether⁵.

Take Action to Protect Our Pets

This trend toward corporatization is more than just a shift in business models—it’s a threat to the very nature of veterinary care. Our pets deserve better. They deserve care from veterinarians who are free to make decisions based on what’s best for the animal, not what’s best for a corporate balance sheet.

We cannot let this continue. Legislative oversight is urgently needed to prevent private equity firms from exploiting veterinary practices for profit at the expense of our pets’ health. We need laws that protect the integrity of veterinary care, ensuring that the focus remains on providing high-quality, compassionate care.

Now is the time to take action. By signing the petition, you can make your voice heard. You can help protect the future of veterinary care and ensure that our pets receive the care they deserve. Don’t let corporate greed put your pet’s health at risk. Stand with us and demand change.

Sign the petition now to protect our pets and preserve the quality of veterinary care.

More on this issue:

1. Andrew Perez, Rolling Stone (7 August 2024), "'Life and Death' for Pets: Elizabeth Warren Targets Firm Buying Veterinary Offices."
2. Helaine Olen, The Atlantic (25 April 2024), "Why Your Vet Bill Is So High."
3. Brendan Ballou, The Nation (25 April 2023), "Private Equity Is Killing Your Pets."
4. Anna Claire Vollers , Stateline (29 March 2024), "Vets fret as private equity snaps up clinics, pet care companies."
5. TBR Newsmedia (15 June 2024), "Private equity firms are buying up veterinary practices."