Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Start or Buy an Independent Veterinary Practice
A noticeable trend in 2025 points to a resurgence in independent veterinary ownership. In an era dominated by corporate consolidation, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point — especially for veterinarians ready to reclaim ownership, redefine care models, and build something of their own.
Gaps in Corporate Veterinary Care Spark Entrepreneurial Momentum
Corporate veterinary chains have expanded rapidly in recent years, but many pet owners — and practitioners — are noticing what gets lost in the process. When decisions are made at the corporate level rather than within the clinic, certain areas tend to suffer: continuity of care, personalized relationships, workplace culture, and the ability for clinic managers and leaders to make key decisions.
That’s why veterinarians and private investors are beginning to recognize a major opportunity: stepping in where corporate medicine falls short. Independent practice ownership allows for greater flexibility in how care is delivered, how teams are led, and how deeply a practice becomes connected to its local community.
Pet Care Spending Signals a Demand for a Higher Level of Care
According to the American Pet Products Association (2024), pet care spending in the U.S. reached an all-time high, totaling over $147 billion in 2023 — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Pet owners are looking for more than routine services. They want options. From advanced diagnostics to acupuncture, from nutritional consultations to in-home care, clients are eager to invest in personalized, preventive, and holistic care.
As more pet owners look for personalized, higher-quality care, boutique and concierge-style veterinary practices are becoming more popular, offering services like customized wellness plans, virtual check-ups, remote health tracking, and even services tailored to a pet’s breed or age. Independent practices are able to meet this demand and innovate quickly, without the red tape that can slow down corporate systems.
Technology for Modern Practices
Thanks to new tools like telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, digital health records, and remote testing systems, veterinarians today have greater flexibility in delivering top-notch care. These technologies help cut down on costs, boost efficiency, and make it easier to reach more patients—especially in rural or underserved areas. For vets with an entrepreneurial spirit, technology isn’t a hurdle; it’s a way to run a smarter, more flexible practice and deliver better care.
Financing and Mentorship Are More Accessible
Getting started is often the biggest hurdle, but that hurdle is lower than ever. Veterinary-specific lenders and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are making financing more attainable for first-time owners. Alternative funding models, such as investor partnerships and shared ownership agreements, also offer flexible options for getting started.
Additionally, there is a growing support system for veterinarians ready to take the leap. In veterinary schools, the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) is equipping students with the business knowledge they need to run a practice. Meanwhile, mentoring programs like MentorVet and Ready, Vet, Go provide real-world guidance from experienced professionals.
Owning a Practice Can Be the Antidote to Burnout
Burnout, staff shortages, and work-life imbalance have plagued the veterinary profession in recent years. Independent ownership allows veterinarians to redefine how care is delivered and how teams are supported. Owners can implement staffing models that prioritize well-being, compensation plans that reward performance, and cultures that encourage collaboration and care.
By designing a clinic that supports both its team and its patients, practice owners build better businesses that help lead the industry toward a more sustainable future. For those ready to invest in care, community, and innovation, there’s never been a better time to start or buy a veterinary practice.