Important Information

We have created this page due to the change we are seeing taking place in the veterinary profession.

As pet lovers ourselves we are concerned that the increasing emergence of large corporate veterinary companies will limit the choice that pet owners should have regarding the care of their pet both in life and death.

Many smaller veterinary practices are being purchased by large corporate vets. Often the name of the practice isn’t changed and no information is sent to customers explaining the change of ownership. Where several veterinary practices (including veterinary referral specialists) are purchased in the same region pet lovers are being restricted in the choice of who looks after their pet without even knowing it!

For example if a company owns a small veterinary surgery as well as a nearby referral practice they could refer a pet owner the referral practice that they own instead of an equally qualified or better equipped specialist that is not owned by them. The pet owner is none the wiser as both practices are still being operated under their original names!

Behind the scenes these companies have also negotiated nationwide contracts that decrease their costs (or increase their profits). We feel that if profit comes before service then ultimately it is the customer who will suffer whatever the business.

Switching to nationwide contracts with disposal firms is one such example. We have seen local vets that have offered our service for many years being purchased and the new owners immediately switching to large disposal firms that we believe cannot match the personal and specialised service that we provide. Unless the customer specifically asks for our service or contacts us direct then their pet will be treated and cremated in a completely different way to how they would want them cared for.

If you would like to share this information with other pet lovers then please send them our website address, or download and print an information leaflet for them.

The following article “Behind Closed Doors” from Dogs Monthly Magazine (August 2010) exposing the miss selling of pet cremation services through veterinary practices may also be of interest.