Quo Vadis: Is Corporatisation Reshaping Companion Animal Veterinary Care in Europe?

Abstract

In recent years, the European companion animal veterinary care market has experienced significant growth, with 166 million households (50%) owning one or more of Europe’s 352 million companion animals. This expansion is accompanied by a notable market trend toward the corporatisation of veterinary practices, particularly in urban areas and certain countries. Corporatisation has reshaped the profession, offering benefits such as economies of scale, advanced veterinary treatments, and structured career pathways for early-career veterinarians. However, this shift also prompted discussions on the impact it has on rising costs of care, professional autonomy constraints, and potential reductions in rural practice attractiveness. Our comprehensive study, combining a large-scale survey of European veterinarians, semi-structured questionnaires, and an extensive literature review, maps the current state of corporatisation in Europe, identifies key players, and examines its impact on the veterinary profession and broader society. The findings underscore the rapid expansion of corporate veterinary practices and the accompanying competitive pressure on independent vet-owned clinics. To ensure a sustainable future for the profession, our research highlights the need for further investigation to fully comprehend the effects of corporatisation. Addressing these challenges is essential to protect the interests of animals and their caretakers, veterinarians, and the wider society.