Veterinary

Cooperatives in the veterinary sector generally take two forms: purchasing cooperatives and worker-owned cooperatives.

Purchasing cooperatives bring independently owned veterinary hospitals and clinics together to increase their collective buying power. By purchasing supplies, equipment, and services as a group, independent practices can access benefits that may be difficult to achieve on their own.

Worker cooperatives offer a different opportunity, particularly for business succession. Many veterinary practices have traditionally been owned by independent veterinarians and other small-business owners. When those owners are ready to retire, however, finding an individual veterinarian with the interest and financial resources to purchase the practice can be challenging. At the same time, veterinary medicine has experienced significant consolidation as corporations and private equity-backed companies acquire independent practices. The American Animal Hospital Association describes corporate consolidation and private equity investment as a growing presence in the veterinary industry.

Worker cooperatives offer another option for business succession. Instead of selling a veterinary practice to an outside corporation or closing the business, an owner can sell the practice to the people who work there. Through a worker cooperative, employees can collectively own the business, participate in decision-making, and share in its success. This model can help preserve an established veterinary practice while creating opportunities for employees to become business owners.

Benefits of Cooperative in the Veterinary Sector

Increase purchasing power by allowing independent practices to buy goods and services together.
Gives retiring owners another way to sell their business.
Creates opportunities for employees to become owners.
Helps keep businesses and jobs in the community.
Gives employees a voice in workplace decisions.
Helps a veterinary clinic continue serving its customers after an owner retires.

Watch the video below to learn about Cooperative Veterinary Care.

Examples of Cooperatives in Veterinary Sector

Purchasing Cooperatives

The Veterinary Cooperative is a member-owned and member-led cooperative serving independent veterinary hospitals. By working together, participating practices can access purchasing programs and other resources designed to help independent veterinary businesses remain competitive.

Equine Purchasing and Inventory Co. (EPIC) is a purchasing cooperative made up of independently owned equine veterinary clinics. By working together, members can increase their purchasing power and access products and services at more competitive prices.

Worker Cooperatives

Cooperative Veterinary Care is a worker-owned veterinary cooperative in Wisconsin that includes Spring Green Animal Hospital and Mazomanie Animal Hospital. The business became a cooperative in 2023, creating an opportunity for employees to become owners. Its worker-owners include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and other staff who have a voice in the business and share in its success.

Urban Animal Cooperative is a worker-owned veterinary cooperative in Seattle, Washington. It provides veterinary care for dogs and cats through three neighborhood practices in Capitol Hill, Downtown Seattle, and White Center.