Pet owners across the U.S. have been telling us the same thing:
"My vet bills seem to be getting higher."
While we haven't found a comprehensive U.S. study comparing prices at independently owned veterinary practices versus large corporate veterinary groups, the United Kingdom recently completed one of the most extensive investigations of its veterinary industry.
What the UK investigation found
After a two-year investigation, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority found that large corporate veterinary groups charged pet owners an average of 16.6% more than independent veterinary practices for consultations, treatments, and medications. The investigation also found that prices often increased faster after some practices were acquired by large corporate groups.
Now, the U.S. and U.K. veterinary markets are different, so we can't assume those exact numbers apply here.
But the findings raise an important question:
As more veterinary practices become part of large corporate groups, how can pet owners make informed choices?
Transparency is the first step
At Main Street Paws, we believe one important step is simple: transparency.
Pet owners deserve to know whether a veterinary practice is independently owned or part of a larger corporate organization. That's why we're building a trusted directory of verified independent veterinary practices and local pet care businesses.
Knowledge empowers choice.
And choice helps keep independent pet care strong.
Looking for an independent veterinary clinic near you? Search the directory.