Corporate Consolidation is Driving Up Veterinary Costs Across Canada – Here's What Pet Owners Need to Know

The Canadian veterinary landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation that directly impacts your wallet. Recent investigations reveal that corporate consolidation is fundamentally changing how veterinary care is priced and delivered across the country. Understanding these changes is crucial for every pet owner navigating today's veterinary market.

The Scale of Corporate Takeover

Since 2010, more than 20% of veterinary clinics in Canada have been acquired by six major corporations. This isn't just a business trend – it's reshaping the entire industry. Major corporate players like VetStrategy, NVA, and VCA now control significant portions of the Canadian veterinary market, but many pet owners don't even know their local clinic has been sold.

The lack of transparency around ownership is intentional. Internal documents obtained by CBC Marketplace reveal that VetStrategy instructed staff not to "actively communicate to clients" about corporate buyouts. This means you might be paying corporate prices without realizing your trusted neighborhood vet is now part of a large chain.

The Real Impact on Pricing

The financial consequences are substantial. Veterinary care costs have increased 8% in the past year alone – nearly triple the historical rate of 3%. Many corporate-owned practices have raised prices by 20-40%, with some using what insiders call "creative pricing" models designed to hide increases from consumers.

For context, within the same VCA corporation, the price for a basic urinalysis varied from $100 to $175 between two clinics – a 75% difference for the identical service. When the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association's average fee for this procedure was $124, this pricing variation suggests corporate strategies that prioritize profit over standardization.

Why This Matters for Canadian Pet Owners

Half of Canadian pet owners are now skipping veterinary visits due to financial concerns. Among those who skip care, 67% cite affordability as the primary reason. Even higher-income Canadians earning over $90,000 annually report skipping vet visits due to cost pressures.

The political implications are significant too. 77% of Canadian pet owners support government regulations on veterinary fees, indicating widespread frustration with the current pricing structure. This level of public support suggests regulatory change may be inevitable.

Identifying Corporate Ownership

Not all corporate chains brand their clinics, making it difficult for consumers to identify ownership. Here's what to look for:

• VCA brands their clinics clearly
• VetStrategy and NVA typically don't rebrand acquired clinics
• Check your invoice – some chains include ownership information in small print
• Ask directly at reception about clinic ownership
• Use online databases like the CBC Marketplace searchable tool to identify corporate-owned clinics in your area

Making Informed Choices

Understanding ownership doesn't mean corporate clinics are inherently bad – many provide excellent care. However, being informed allows you to:

• Compare pricing between independent and corporate clinics
• Ask specific questions about fee structures and pricing policies
• Seek second opinions when facing expensive procedures
• Support independent practices if that aligns with your values

The key is transparency. As one industry insider noted, corporate consolidation can benefit the industry when done ethically, but "the problem is that the market can creepingly concentrate for one or a few players when merger control is not applicable".

The veterinary industry's consolidation trend shows no signs of slowing. For Canadian pet owners, staying informed about these changes and their impact on pricing is essential for making educated decisions about your pet's healthcare while managing your family's budget effectively.