Concerns Regarding the Corporate Acquisition and Ownership of Locally Owned Veterinary Clinics in Nova Scotia
More and more Nova Scotians are becoming concerned over the growing trend of corporations acquiring locally owned veterinary clinics in Nova Scotia. This shift from community-based ownership to corporate control raises several issues that could negatively impact both pet owners and veterinary professionals in our province.
The Problem: Profit over Compassion
Corporate acquisitions often lead to increased service fees for pet owners. Unlike locally owned clinics, which prioritize community needs, corporate entities frequently operate with profit maximization as their primary goal. This shift results in higher costs for essential veterinary care, making it less accessible to families with limited financial resources.
The term “economic euthanasia” has started to be used to define a situation where a pet could be saved, but is instead euthanized when an owner can not pay for life saving care. This is a terrible and heartbreaking situation for anyone to be placed in, especially when a child may lose a pet, or a senior may lose their only source of comfort and companionship.
An example of an exorbitant price increase is for basic bloodwork. What used to cost $90 a few short years ago has gone up to $350 in some clinics!
A second example is a routine neutering of a male cat. In 2020 it was $110 (before taxes), where the same procedure in 2024 is $160.84 (before taxes), a more than a 46% increases in price in a short period of time. If taking into account the rate of inflation over the same period of time, the cost should be closer to $129.
Veterinary clinics are increasingly forcing pet owners to book complete health care check-up appointments for basic necessities, such as flea and tick preventative care, de-worming medications and other simple healthcare necessities. These basic preventative medications never used to require a full health exam. This adds to the financial strain many pet owners already face. For example, obtaining routine flea and tick prevention now often requires an annual clinic visit. At a local, corporate owned veterinary clinic, the cost of this mandatory appointment is $110, on top of $37 per one-month dose of flea and tick medication. Over the course of a year, treating just one cat amounts to $554 for prevention alone. These essential services should not be so costly, nor should accessing basic preventive treatments require an expensive clinical visit. Such practices place an undue burden on pet owners and risk discouraging some of the most basic, necessary care, ultimately impacting the well-being of pets and their families. This also does not take into account the sky-rocketing increase in Lyme disease and other tick born health implications that Nova Scotia is facing. Both dogs and humans can contract Lyme disease. Denying preventative care to pet owners who can not afford, or do no want to pay for expensive, unnecessary health exams, can lead to increased risk of human contraction of Lyme disease when pets transport ticks into the home environment where the tick can also bite other humans in the home.
The Solution
- Implementing regulations to ensure that veterinary clinics prioritize patient care and affordability, regardless of ownership structure.
- Encouraging local ownership through grants or incentives for independent veterinary practices.
- Monitoring corporate acquisitions to assess their long-term impact on accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. Limit how many clinics can be corporate owned.
- Implementing legislation to limit the percentage of corporate ownership allowed in the province. Many states in the USA have enacted laws which prohibit the “corporate practice” of veterinary medicine. While nuances exist between the different states, the doctrine generally prohibits a non-veterinarian or an entity, such as a general business corporation, from owning an interest in a veterinary practice or employing veterinarians for the purpose of practicing veterinary medicine. These laws generally are designed to prevent non-clinicians from interfering with or influencing the veterinarians’ professional judgment.
Also, basic preventative medications such as flea, tick and worming medications should be made available over the counter, and not require expensive, annual medical exams to acquire them.
Problem: Lack of Transparency
Locally owned clinics are deeply rooted in their communities and often build long-term relationships with their clients and patients. Often when a local clinic is bought out by a corporation, the clients of the clinic will not be informed of the change in ownership, nor with the clinic re-brand itself to show in any outward appearance that the clinic is now corporate owned. The result is that the corporation preys on the good will built up from years of service to the community and rarely announces the change in ownership to that community.
Solution: Public Facing Transparency
Clinics should be required to display in prominent locations if they are corporate owned through signage and avenues. Many clinics once they are bought out by corporation interests do not change the clinic name to reflect that they are no longer veterinary owned. The public should know if a clinic is corporate vs veterinary owned.
Problem: Veterinarians Selling the Drugs They Prescribe
In human medicine it is considered a conflict of interest for doctors to sell the medications they prescribe to their patients. As a result, pharmacies exist where people can shop around, price check, take their prescriptions to be filled.
In the veterinary world, the veterinarian both prescribes and sells the medication to the client. This is a HUGE conflict of interest for obvious reasons. Not only is this a conflict of interest, but often the corporations that own a clinic will limit the selection of medications to those from drug companies that provide the greatest profit margin on the drugs offered. The veterinarian does not have the freedom to choose the medication that might best suit the situation but must use the ones corporate headquarters mandates to the clinic. The pet owner has no way of knowing if there are better alternatives, more effective drugs available, or more cost effective options to choose from.
Solution: Allow Pharmacies and Online Retailers to Sell Pet Medications
Require veterinarians to provide prescriptions upon request. Also to inform clients that this is a option.
License retail pharmacies or online platforms to dispense pet medications. If pharmacists can learn the dispense human medications, they can also learn to dispense pet medications. Often medications used for humans, are also used for pets.
Expanding the availability of over the counter pet medications.
Introduce regulations to ensure pricing transparency and prevent monopolistic practices by corporations.
Other Important Points: The Burden on Animal Rescues and Government
The rising costs of veterinary care, often associated with corporate ownership of clinics, will certainly lead to significant negative consequences for both pet owners and society. When veterinary fees become unaffordable, many individuals may forgo essential procedures such as spaying and neutering, which are critical for controlling the pet population. This can result in overpopulation of stray animals, placing additional burdens on animal shelters and rescue organizations, many of which rely on government funding or community resources. Furthermore, high veterinary costs may lead to an increase in pet abandonment as owners struggle to afford care, exacerbating the strain on public services. The economic impact of managing overpopulation, including the costs of sheltering, euthanasia, and public health risks associated with stray animals, can far exceed the savings from cutting corners on preventive care. Addressing the affordability of veterinary services is therefore not only an issue of animal welfare but also one of economic and social responsibility. We need to look at taking proactive steps so we can preserve what’s left of the integrity of veterinary care in Nova Scotia and protect the interests of both pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Conclusion
Finally, the loss of locally owned clinics diminishes the sense of community that these establishments foster. Veterinary clinics are more than just businesses; they are trusted partners in the health and well-being of our animals. The transition to corporate ownership risks eroding this vital community connection.
Affordable veterinary care should be available to everyone. Being a pet owner should not be relegated to the rich and affluent only.
I urge the Nova Scotia government to consider measures to address these concerns.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Concerned Nova Scotians
Updates
January 27, 2025
We hit our first major milestone and the momentum is shifting in our favor. Now is the time to turn this energy into action so post the link to your Facebook feed today. Send a personal email to your local representative and demand they address the rising costs of veterinary care.
11 Comments
my dog might still be alive rite now if their prices were lower giving me the belief that most clinics are only in it for profit and not the pets well being
The expense of Vet care is stopping people getting proper care and treatment for their loved pets.
Vet costs are way over inflated. Pricing themselves out of the market. The cost of insurance is also insane so that’s not an option for many and I think it actually helps the cost increases when people have insurance because it allows the costs to continue to rise endlessly. The price we pay for the downgraded care we get is outlandish. If I have to take my pet 5 hours away to get treatment in an emerg after hours they are likely not going to make it. Where they would if ONE et was available here for local emerg when needed rather then all of them saying nope. We aren’t available for after hour emerg even half of the time. Unacceptable standard of care imo. Especially for the prices we pay.
Prices are getting out of hand , not just the visits but any medications your pet might need.
Corporate ownership will cause a decline in the quality of veterinary medicine and a steady increase in costs as shareholders demand more profits year over year. Staff at veterinary hospitals will continue to suffer as well from compassion fatigue as they are unable to alleviate the suffering of animals due to owners inability to pay the skyrocketing prices set by the corporation. A real lose lose situation.
We need a change
Life is expensive enough without having to worry about astronomical vet bills for our fur babies.
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Concerns Regarding the Corporate Acquisition and Ownership of Locally Owned Veterinary Clinics in Nova Scotia
More and more Nova Scotians are becoming concerned over the growing trend of corporations acquiring locally owned veterinary clinics in Nova Scotia. This shift from community-based ownership to corporate control raises several issues that could negatively impact both pet owners and veterinary professionals in our province.
The Problem: Profit over Compassion
Corporate acquisitions often lead to increased service fees for pet owners. Unlike locally owned clinics, which prioritize community needs, corporate entities frequently operate with profit maximization as their primary goal. This shift results in higher costs for essential veterinary care, making it less accessible to families with limited financial resources.
The term “economic euthanasia” has started to be used to define a situation where a pet could be saved, but is instead euthanized when an owner can not pay for life saving care. This is a terrible and heartbreaking situation for anyone to be placed in, especially when a child may lose a pet, or a senior may lose their only source of comfort and companionship.
An example of an exorbitant price increase is for basic bloodwork. What used to cost $90 a few short years ago has gone up to $350 in some clinics!
A second example is a routine neutering of a male cat. In 2020 it was $110 (before taxes), where the same procedure in 2024 is $160.84 (before taxes), a more than a 46% increases in price in a short period of time. If taking into account the rate of inflation over the same period of time, the cost should be closer to $129.
Veterinary clinics are increasingly forcing pet owners to book complete health care check-up appointments for basic necessities, such as flea and tick preventative care, de-worming medications and other simple healthcare necessities. These basic preventative medications never used to require a full health exam. This adds to the financial strain many pet owners already face. For example, obtaining routine flea and tick prevention now often requires an annual clinic visit. At a local, corporate owned veterinary clinic, the cost of this mandatory appointment is $110, on top of $37 per one-month dose of flea and tick medication. Over the course of a year, treating just one cat amounts to $554 for prevention alone. These essential services should not be so costly, nor should accessing basic preventive treatments require an expensive clinical visit. Such practices place an undue burden on pet owners and risk discouraging some of the most basic, necessary care, ultimately impacting the well-being of pets and their families. This also does not take into account the sky-rocketing increase in Lyme disease and other tick born health implications that Nova Scotia is facing. Both dogs and humans can contract Lyme disease. Denying preventative care to pet owners who can not afford, or do no want to pay for expensive, unnecessary health exams, can lead to increased risk of human contraction of Lyme disease when pets transport ticks into the home environment where the tick can also bite other humans in the home.
The Solution
- Implementing regulations to ensure that veterinary clinics prioritize patient care and affordability, regardless of ownership structure.
- Encouraging local ownership through grants or incentives for independent veterinary practices.
- Monitoring corporate acquisitions to assess their long-term impact on accessibility, affordability, and quality of care. Limit how many clinics can be corporate owned.
- Implementing legislation to limit the percentage of corporate ownership allowed in the province. Many states in the USA have enacted laws which prohibit the “corporate practice” of veterinary medicine. While nuances exist between the different states, the doctrine generally prohibits a non-veterinarian or an entity, such as a general business corporation, from owning an interest in a veterinary practice or employing veterinarians for the purpose of practicing veterinary medicine. These laws generally are designed to prevent non-clinicians from interfering with or influencing the veterinarians’ professional judgment.
Also, basic preventative medications such as flea, tick and worming medications should be made available over the counter, and not require expensive, annual medical exams to acquire them.
Problem: Lack of Transparency
Locally owned clinics are deeply rooted in their communities and often build long-term relationships with their clients and patients. Often when a local clinic is bought out by a corporation, the clients of the clinic will not be informed of the change in ownership, nor with the clinic re-brand itself to show in any outward appearance that the clinic is now corporate owned. The result is that the corporation preys on the good will built up from years of service to the community and rarely announces the change in ownership to that community.
Solution: Public Facing Transparency
Clinics should be required to display in prominent locations if they are corporate owned through signage and avenues. Many clinics once they are bought out by corporation interests do not change the clinic name to reflect that they are no longer veterinary owned. The public should know if a clinic is corporate vs veterinary owned.
Problem: Veterinarians Selling the Drugs They Prescribe
In human medicine it is considered a conflict of interest for doctors to sell the medications they prescribe to their patients. As a result, pharmacies exist where people can shop around, price check, take their prescriptions to be filled.
In the veterinary world, the veterinarian both prescribes and sells the medication to the client. This is a HUGE conflict of interest for obvious reasons. Not only is this a conflict of interest, but often the corporations that own a clinic will limit the selection of medications to those from drug companies that provide the greatest profit margin on the drugs offered. The veterinarian does not have the freedom to choose the medication that might best suit the situation but must use the ones corporate headquarters mandates to the clinic. The pet owner has no way of knowing if there are better alternatives, more effective drugs available, or more cost effective options to choose from.
Solution: Allow Pharmacies and Online Retailers to Sell Pet Medications
Require veterinarians to provide prescriptions upon request. Also to inform clients that this is a option.
License retail pharmacies or online platforms to dispense pet medications. If pharmacists can learn the dispense human medications, they can also learn to dispense pet medications. Often medications used for humans, are also used for pets.
Expanding the availability of over the counter pet medications.
Introduce regulations to ensure pricing transparency and prevent monopolistic practices by corporations.
Other Important Points: The Burden on Animal Rescues and Government
The rising costs of veterinary care, often associated with corporate ownership of clinics, will certainly lead to significant negative consequences for both pet owners and society. When veterinary fees become unaffordable, many individuals may forgo essential procedures such as spaying and neutering, which are critical for controlling the pet population. This can result in overpopulation of stray animals, placing additional burdens on animal shelters and rescue organizations, many of which rely on government funding or community resources. Furthermore, high veterinary costs may lead to an increase in pet abandonment as owners struggle to afford care, exacerbating the strain on public services. The economic impact of managing overpopulation, including the costs of sheltering, euthanasia, and public health risks associated with stray animals, can far exceed the savings from cutting corners on preventive care. Addressing the affordability of veterinary services is therefore not only an issue of animal welfare but also one of economic and social responsibility. We need to look at taking proactive steps so we can preserve what’s left of the integrity of veterinary care in Nova Scotia and protect the interests of both pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Conclusion
Finally, the loss of locally owned clinics diminishes the sense of community that these establishments foster. Veterinary clinics are more than just businesses; they are trusted partners in the health and well-being of our animals. The transition to corporate ownership risks eroding this vital community connection.
Affordable veterinary care should be available to everyone. Being a pet owner should not be relegated to the rich and affluent only.
I urge the Nova Scotia government to consider measures to address these concerns.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Concerned Nova Scotians
Updates
January 27, 2025
We hit our first major milestone and the momentum is shifting in our favor. Now is the time to turn this energy into action so post the link to your Facebook feed today. Send a personal email to your local representative and demand they address the rising costs of veterinary care.
11 Comments
I am particularly worried as my vet used to focus on farm animals. She gave up her license. This summer when we needed compassionate help with a ewe no one on the South Shore wanted to know. The very largest practice was both procrastinating and rude. Finally a practice from The Valley stepped up and drove for more than 90 minutes instead of the 30 from Bridgewater. Have already written to the gov. Minister responsible. She acknowledged the problem but otherwise vacuous in her response. As food is essential and even small farms play a part in supplying foods, I’m wondering how stupid the gov has to be before they understand the problem OR are we all going to eat meat where we have no idea where is is actually from, how it’s been raised etc.
my dog might still be alive rite now if their prices were lower giving me the belief that most clinics are only in it for profit and not the pets well being
The expense of Vet care is stopping people getting proper care and treatment for their loved pets.
Vet costs are way over inflated. Pricing themselves out of the market. The cost of insurance is also insane so that’s not an option for many and I think it actually helps the cost increases when people have insurance because it allows the costs to continue to rise endlessly. The price we pay for the downgraded care we get is outlandish. If I have to take my pet 5 hours away to get treatment in an emerg after hours they are likely not going to make it. Where they would if ONE et was available here for local emerg when needed rather then all of them saying nope. We aren’t available for after hour emerg even half of the time. Unacceptable standard of care imo. Especially for the prices we pay.
Prices are getting out of hand , not just the visits but any medications your pet might need.
Corporate ownership will cause a decline in the quality of veterinary medicine and a steady increase in costs as shareholders demand more profits year over year. Staff at veterinary hospitals will continue to suffer as well from compassion fatigue as they are unable to alleviate the suffering of animals due to owners inability to pay the skyrocketing prices set by the corporation. A real lose lose situation.
We need a change
Life is expensive enough without having to worry about astronomical vet bills for our fur babies.
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I am particularly worried as my vet used to focus on farm animals. She gave up her license. This summer when we needed compassionate help with a ewe no one on the South Shore wanted to know. The very largest practice was both procrastinating and rude. Finally a practice from The Valley stepped up and drove for more than 90 minutes instead of the 30 from Bridgewater. Have already written to the gov. Minister responsible. She acknowledged the problem but otherwise vacuous in her response. As food is essential and even small farms play a part in supplying foods, I’m wondering how stupid the gov has to be before they understand the problem OR are we all going to eat meat where we have no idea where is is actually from, how it’s been raised etc.