{"id":6866,"date":"2019-12-09T12:05:28","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T20:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=6866"},"modified":"2022-06-15T17:45:10","modified_gmt":"2022-06-15T17:45:10","slug":"55-of-clients-visit-independent-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/55-of-clients-visit-independent-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"55% of clients visit independent practices"},"content":{"rendered":"

Independent veterinary hospitals see the majority of animal patients but face pressure from in-store clinics and the willingness of younger pet owners to embrace non-traditional care providers, according to a new report.<\/p>\n

The market research firm Packaged Facts found that 55% of dog or cat owners who sought veterinary care within the past 12 months went to local, independent clinics. Three-fourths of baby boomers (ages 55 to 74) favored traditional practitioners compared with about 4 in 10 millennials or Generation Zers<\/a> (ages 18 to 39).<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s independent practices are competing against what Packaged Facts called \u201calternative veterinary care formats.\u201d These include specialty and emergency clinics, large networks such as Banfield and VCA, smaller in-store chains like Thrive and PetIQ, and telemedicine providers.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing in the footsteps of PetSmart\u2019s longstanding affiliation with Banfield Pet Hospitals, Petco is adding Thrive (in-store) and PetCoach (freestanding) clinics,\u201d Packaged Facts stated. \u201cPetIQ is partnering with Walmart to open vet clinics in as many as 1,000 stores by the end of 2023, and subsequently is partnering with Meijer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The messaging is strong when pet owners visit a store housing a veterinary clinic, according to Packages Facts.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only do these in-store clinics offer consumers increased access to veterinary care and pet medications, their presence promotes the overall concept of pet wellness, reminding pet owners of the importance of caring for their pets\u2019 health and making it more convenient to do so,\u201d the firm stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so, such expansion presents challenges to the business success of many traditional, independent vets and to the autonomy of the veterinarian profession, by shifting the balance of power in favor of larger consumer market players and forces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among other findings contained in the report \u201cVeterinary Services in the U.S.: Competing for the Pet Care Customer, 2nd Edition\u201d:<\/p>\n