At Animal Admiration, we support small businesses. We encourage you to do the same. Supporting locally owned and operated veterinary clinics has never been more important, especially as corporate buy-outs become the norm. Local practices are the best option for outstanding service and care. Plus, supporting local vets may save you money!
Supporting Local Vets May Save You Money: Corporate Buy-Outs
According to an article by The Atlantic, “Veterinary-industry insiders now estimate that 25 to 30 percent of practices in the United States are under large corporate umbrellas, up from 8 percent a little more than a decade ago. For specialty clinics, the number is closer to three out of four.”
The numbers are staggering. They may also impact your pet’s health and the quality of care they receive. Read on to learn more.
Supporting Local Vets May Save You Money: Mitigating Rising Veterinary Costs
The above-referenced article adds, “Americans spent an estimated $38 billion on health care and related services for companion animals in 2023, up from about $29 billion in 2019. Even as overall inflation got back under control last year, the cost of veterinary care did not. In March 2024, the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers was up 3.5 percent year over year. The veterinary-services category was up 9.6 percent. If you have ever wondered why keeping your pet healthy has gotten so out-of-control expensive, Big Vet just might be your answer.”
While all costs have gone up over the past few years, the reason for the rise in vet costs may surprise you.
Supporting Local Vets May Save You Money: Avoiding Protocol Purgatory
The rising prices of veterinary care may be due to what is referred to as “protocol purgatory.” Protocol Purgatory occurs when a medical provider is so mired in protocol, they have no say in how to proceed. Protocol purgatory often happens in corporate-owned practices where those setting protocols have never worked with patients. These protocols may be in place to standardize care, manage costs, and minimize risks but rarely put patients first.
Per Sarah Schloerb, Director at the League of New Jersey Pet Care Professionals, “In the context of corporate veterinary hospitals, veterinary practices are constrained by rigid corporate protocols that may limit the flexibility and discretion of veterinarians. This can involve strict guidelines and rules about medical procedures, treatments, and operations management, which may not always align with the individual needs of patients or the professional judgment of veterinarians. This situation can lead to frustrations among veterinary professionals who feel their ability to provide the best possible care is hindered by overarching corporate policies.”
Veterinarians working for independently owned clinics answer only to practice owners. Those working for large corporations answer to regional management, executive leadership, and investors. For this reason, avoiding corporate-operated vets may be the best way to avoid protocol purgatory and related costs.
Supporting Local Vets May Save You Money: Empowering Vets
When you take your pet to the vet, it’s because they need their expertise. You trust that they have your pet’s interest at heart. You also trust that they have the knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat your pet. Unfortunately, there may be more to it than that.
It’s reported that vets working for corporate-based practices have less control over how they practice veterinary medicine. They are often forced to follow protocols that they do not believe in. And, in some cases, report having to put revenues before outcomes. Per The Atlantic, vets working for independently owned veterinary clinics “reported higher levels of satisfaction for such things as the “ability to acquire new large equipment” and the “ability to get new/different drugs.” Therefore, not only are costs affected but overall care is affected by corporate buy-outs.
Supporting Local Vets May Save You Money: Supporting Houston’s Best
My veterinarian is Dr. Larry N. White, D.V.M., founder and owner of Briarcrest Veterinary Clinic, Inc. on Wilcrest Drive. Dr. White is dedicated, trustworthy, and incredibly knowledgeable. Per his website, Dr. White’s dream was to own his own vet practice and made that dream a reality in 1977.
Dr. White treats a variety of animals including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and wildlife. He has a special interest in reptiles and works closely with Houston-based animal welfare organizations. If you would like to switch from a national chain vet practice to a local one, don’t hesitate to give Dr. White’s team a call.
At Animal Admiration, we encourage you to choose your veterinary practice as carefully as you choose other pet care providers. Because your pet cannot complain if something goes wrong, it’s up to you to ensure that your pet’s vet visits, pet sits, grooming appointments, etc. go well.
Contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding pet care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.
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