The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is marking a decade of promoting and supporting independent practices across the UK.
To celebrate, we are inviting independent practices across the country to share what their independence means to them. Whether you are an FIVP member or not, we want to hear about the amazing veterinary care that your practice provides and how you are contributing to your local communities. Send us a voice note on (07709 836865) with your story.
You can also tune into the special 10-year anniversary episode of our podcast, FIVP Practice Matters. Ian Wolstenholme, FIVP Business Development Manager, speaks with Chairperson Rita Dingwall, co-founder Jacqui Garrett and other members of the FIVP team about how the organisation has grown since it was first launched a decade ago. The episode will be released on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 8am on Spotify and Apple Music.
A changing profession
FIVP was created in 2016 by a dedicated team seeking to secure a future for independent practices among growing corporate ownership.
We provide a vital community for those in independent practice to network and grow among like-minded people. Working closely with practice owners and managers, we offer them the guidance they need to make informed business decisions, market their practice effectively and recruit the best veterinary team for their practice.
Securing a future
The announcement of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into veterinary services for household pets made it more important than ever that independent practices were represented in national debates.
As a main party in the investigation, FIVP has been dedicated to bringing the voices of its members to regular hearings and responses throughout the process. In autumn last year, we launched our nationwide survey for independent practices, which informed our full response to the CMA’s proposed remedy package.
Promoting independence
The FIVP team remains passionate about the unique value that independents offer pets across the country, as well as to the veterinary industry as a whole. We are proud to showcase our members at industry events across the country, providing practices with the connections they need to thrive.
FIVP regularly attends London Vet Show, meeting with members and others in the industry to make sure that independent practices are properly represented on a national stage. Our stand tours the country, bringing our members’ careers opportunities directly to the next generation of veterinary surgeons at their university’s careers fairs. We are vocal about why an independent practice could be the best place to start a veterinary career.
We also promote independent practices directly to clients through IndependentVets.co.uk – a directory that aims to map every independent practice in the country. With independent practices making the headlines, our interactive search function makes it easy for pet owners to find an independent practice near them.
Join our community
While the future of the veterinary sector remains uncertain, FIVP stands ready to support independent practices through any changes the industry may face. We invite any independent practices wishing to join our community to get in touch at enquiries@fivp.org.uk
FIVP’s Chair Rita Dingwall, who joined the organisation in 2021, said: “Over the past decade, FIVP has been proud to champion the vital role that independent veterinary practices play in communities across the UK. Independent practices bring something truly special to the profession – the freedom to shape their services around the needs of their clients, their team members and the animals in their care.
“Since 2016, our mission has been to ensure that these practices have a strong voice, the right support and a connected community behind them. As the veterinary landscape continues to evolve, that mission is more important than ever.
“We look forward to continuing to stand alongside independent practices, celebrating their achievements and helping to secure a thriving future for independence in the profession.”
