Ownership
Who owns your vet, and what they charge
About four in ten UK vets belong to one of six big chains, and most still trade under the name they had before they were bought, so the sign on the door does not tell you. The competition regulator found the chains charge more on average. Here is each group with its typical consultation price, its rating, and how many of its practices publish prices.
| Group | Owned by | Vets | Publish prices | Typical consultation | Rating | Must publish by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IVC EvidensiaIVC Evidensia UK | EQT / Nestlé / Silver Lake | 722 | 97% of 722 checked | £67 | 4.7681 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Vets4PetsPets at Home Vet Group Ltd | Pets at Home Group plc | 589 | 95% of 486 checked | £56 | 4.5463 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| VetPartnersVetPartners Ltd | BC Partners | 438 | 92% of 436 checked | £60 | 4.7386 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| CVS GroupCVS (UK) Ltd | CVS Group plc (AIM) | 427 | 95% of 425 checked | £66 | 4.5411 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| MedivetMedivet Group Ltd | CVC Capital Partners | 418 | 87% of 402 checked | £61 | 4.7359 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| LinnaeusLinnaeus Veterinary Ltd | Mars Inc. | 225 | 98% of 225 checked | £58 | 4.7204 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Other group | – | 47 | 0% of 46 checked | – | 4.345 vets | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Independent | – | 4,079 | 46% of 3,004 checked | £57 | 4.82,935 vets | 23 Mar 2027 |
| Charity | – | 78 | 16% of 62 checked | £25 | 4.662 vets | 23 Mar 2027 |
Rating is the middle Google rating across the group's vets, with how many have one. It reflects what owners say about the care, not what the group charges.
Vet counts are the practices we have found and matched to each group, not the groups' own totals. We go by what each practice's website says about its owner, so a practice that has changed hands recently may be listed under its old owner. Tell us if you spot one.
Does it matter who owns the practice?
For the price, on average, yes. The Vet Price Index compares the chains with independent vets treatment by treatment, and the chains come out dearer on most lines, by the most on surgery and diagnostics. That is an average, though. Plenty of chain practices are the cheapest in their town, and plenty of independents are the dearest. The town page for where you live will tell you which is which.
For the care, the ratings above are the only evidence we have, and they favour the independents slightly. Owners on Google rate independent vets 4.8 against 4.6 for the chains. Every practice page shows the rating with the number of reviews behind it.
Every practice now has to say who owns it, on its website and at the door. If yours does not, it is behind the rules.
About these prices: each figure is as published on the practice's own website on the date shown, VAT included where the practice says so, for the size of pet and the inclusions stated. Practices now have to publish a standard price list and keep it current (the rules), but the price you pay depends on your pet, so confirm with the practice before you book. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will re-check the source within two working days.