As the CMA investigation nears its conclusion, veterinary practices of every type, size and speciality can expect renewed scrutiny in the public sphere. The combination of the CMA’s flawed decision report, the BBC’s recent Panorama documentary and direct criticism in the national press will cast a spotlight on everyone working for the veterinary sector.
Despite this publicity, FIVP still believes that independent practices should be proud of their status and their invaluable contribution to the animal care across the industry. We encourage our members to defy misrepresentation and be loud about the value of independent practice.
Read our ideas for promoting your independence:
Signpost your independence in practice
Among the remedies supported by FIVP is transparency, particularly in regard to ownership status.
It has been widely acknowledged that LVG-owned practices often lack transparency with their corporate ownership. In the CMA’s own investigation, it found that some pet owners have been surprised to discover their practice was owned by a large veterinary group.
While the CMA’s proposed remedies would see LVG-owned practices become more transparent with their ownership, FIVP wants to support its members to be more public about their independence.
Signage in practice is the easiest and most efficient way to showcase your independent ownership. Some suggested wording for your poster:
“We are a proudly independent veterinary practice. (Your Practice Name) is owned and managed by (Your Name), a veterinary surgeon/veterinary nurse/practice manager who works in the practice on a daily basis.”
“Thank you for choosing our independent practice. We will always put your pet’s wellbeing and welfare above profit and continually reinvest in our practice and its services.”
“(Your Practice Name) is proudly independent. Speak to a member of our team to find out what this means to us.”
If you are an FIVP member, you can also get a FREE window sticker to showcase your membership. FIVP is nationally recognised, with highly reputable member practices across the UK. Contact enquiries@fivp.org.uk to order an FIVP window sticker.
Be easy to find
While LVG-owned practices have the investment to support large-scale marketing campaigns, many independent practices lack the budget to promote their services wide enough to attract new clientele.
To support these practices with their local and national presence, FIVP hosts the online vet practice directory IndependentVets.co.uk.
Launched in 2016, the website makes it easier for clients seeking independent veterinary care to find a practice near to them. We aim to represent every independently owned practice on the website, however FIVP members receive priority listing.
Share your stories
Most independent practices are driven by their passion for community-focused care and, now more than ever, it is important to showcase your commitment to your local area.
Social media is an excellent way to communicate directly with your community. Consider utilising your practice’s Facebook or Instagram account to share your work: whether that’s the successful treatment of a pet, a new service that you provide, or even a recent contribution that your team has made to charity.
We recommend taking part in the BVA’s #InSafeHands campaign. Through this campaign the BVA hopes to share the realities of practice life, highlighting the dedication of veterinary teams to animal welfare.
Remember to always ask the client’s permission before taking photos or sharing their pet’s stories. Avoid including sensitive information, gory images or over-complicated terminology.
For more support, contact us at enquiries@fivp.org.uk
