Who Owns Your Favourite Veterinary Clinic?

If it’s us, then you’ll be happy to know that Barrett Veterinary Practice is independently owned and operated.

If you don’t bring your fuzzy family to Barrett Veterinary Practice but use a different vet clinic, are you greeted by a familiar, community-driven team—or a corporate entity? The answer might surprise you. Corporate consolidation is changing the face of veterinary care in Canada, shifting how clinics operate and how care is delivered to pets and their families.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Canada has about 4,379 veterinary practices as of 2023. While independent clinics still make up the majority, corporate ownership now accounts for more than 20% of veterinary practices, and that percentage is climbing fast.

Corporate Consolidation and Its Impact on Care. Who Owns What?

Three major corporations lead the charge in Canadian veterinary consolidation:

VetStrategy: With over 360 clinics across nine provinces, VetStrategy represents approximately 8% of the country’s clinics.

VCA Canada: Operating more than 150 clinics in six provinces, VCA Canada holds about 3.5% of the market.

NVA Canada: Running 140 clinics nationwide, this group accounts for roughly 3% of veterinary practices.

Together, these three companies own 14% of all clinics in Canada. Add in other smaller corporate groups, like P3 Veterinary Partners and VetCare, and the total corporate footprint exceeds 20%.

Why Does It Matter?

Corporate ownership fundamentally changes how clinics operate. While proponents highlight benefits like advanced technology and financial stability, the drawbacks often outweigh the perks for pet owners and veterinarians alike.

A recent CBC investigation revealed that prices at some corporate-owned clinics have risen by over 40%, putting routine and emergency care out of reach for many families. The term “economic euthanasia” is becoming far too common, describing situations where pet owners are forced to make heart-wrenching decisions based on finances rather than their pets’ needs.

For veterinarians, working in corporate-owned clinics often comes with less autonomy. Many report being pressured to meet financial targets, which shifts focus away from patient-first care. 

Adding to the challenge is the lack of transparency surrounding clinic ownership. When private clinics are acquired by corporations, it’s often not advertised, leaving many pet owners under the impression they’re still visiting an independent, community-focused clinic. In reality, they may now be walking into one of the Big Three—VetStrategy, VCA Canada, or NVA Canada—without realizing it. This lack of disclosure leaves clients unaware of how corporate ownership could impact the quality of care and costs they experience, making it harder to make fully informed decisions about their pet’s well-being.

This Isn’t Just a Veterinary Issue

Veterinary consolidation mirrors trends across other Canadian industries:

Telecommunications: Did you know that three companies dominate 91% of the wireless market, leaving Canadians with some of the highest phone bills globally.

Grocery Retail: Did you know that only a handful of chains control 75% of food sales, contributing to rising grocery prices.

Air Travel: And with only two major players, high fares and limited options are the norm.

In every case, consolidation reduces consumer choice and drives up costs while prioritizing corporate profits over service quality.

Independent Clinics: Still the Heart of Care

For now, 80% of veterinary clinics in Canada remain independent. These clinics, like Barrett Veterinary Practice,  are often family-run, community-focused, and built on trust. They’re the places where you’ll see the same veterinarian year after year, forming a relationship that puts your pet’s health—and your peace of mind—first.

At Barrett Veterinary Practice, we’re proud to remain fiercely independent. It’s about more than medicine—it’s about trust, compassion, and being there for your pets when they need us most. As the landscape of veterinary care evolves, we’ll continue standing by the values that matter most to you and your furry family.

What Can You Do?

Ask questions to determine if your clinic is independently owned or part of a corporate group.

Support local clinics by choosing independent practices, which keeps money in your community and ensures care is prioritized over profits.

Advocate for transparency by pushing for clearer regulations that require clinics to disclose their ownership.