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A Directory for the Independents

The UK's independent vet practices, in one place.

We help pet owners discover locally owned, clinician-led veterinary care — and help independent practices stand out.

Popular: London·Manchester·Bristol·Edinburgh·Cardiff

Why Independent Matters

Independent veterinary practices are disappearing fast.

In 2013, corporate groups owned around 10% of UK practices. Today, they own more than 60%.

Independent practices remain locally owned, clinician-led, and deeply connected to their communities.

We exist to help pet owners discover and support independent veterinary care.

2013
10%

Corporate group ownership of UK veterinary practices

Today
60%+

Corporate group ownership of UK veterinary practices

Source: Competition and Markets Authority (2026).

New & Recently Opened

Help give a new practice their first appointments.

A newly opened independent practice is finding its feet. Discovering them early — and telling your neighbours — makes a real difference. We feature every practice registered in the last twelve months, with extra spotlight on those in their first ninety days.

Map of Almond Vet Care's location
Just opened

Perth, Perth and Kinross

Almond Vet Care

Perthshire's newest independent small animal practice, founded by Dr Katie Jones and Dr Lisa Elgie and opened in June 2026. The purpose-built clinic on Lawgrove Place in the Inveralmond Industrial Estate offers first-opinion medicine, surgery, dentistry and diagnostics for dogs, cats and small mammals, with 24/7 emergency cover provided in partnership with Vets Now Dundee. An in-house Almond Care Plan bundles routine preventive care, and transparent pricing is published across the practice's surgical, diagnostic and routine services.

Opened June 2026View profile →
Map of Welland Valley Vets (Stamford)'s location
Newly opened

Stamford, Lincolnshire

Welland Valley Vets (Stamford)

Formerly known as Clear Ridge Vets, this small, independent practice is community-focused and treats pets like family. The experienced team prides itself on building relationships rooted in honesty, kindness, and trust. They provide straightforward care, making decisions alongside owners, and offer services including health checks, neutering, and dentistry, alongside a 24/7 emergency service.

Opened September 2025View profile →
Map of Ironstone Veterinary Clinic's location
Newly opened

Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Ironstone Veterinary Clinic

This independent Middlesbrough practice is run by three experienced veterinarians who prioritise an honest, personal approach to pet care. They believe in putting pets before profits and will not recommend unnecessary tests or treatments. The fully equipped clinic and pharmacy provides care for a wide range of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and even reptiles, treating each patient as an individual with a tailored plan.

Opened July 2025View profile →

The Independent Badge

A recognisable mark for locally owned care.

The Independent Badge helps independent practices show what makes them different: local ownership, clinician-led decisions, and a visible commitment to their community. Founding Members receive a personalised digital badge kit they can display on their website and social channels.

  • Free for independent practices joining as Founding Members
  • Created to help pet owners recognise locally owned veterinary care
  • Supplied as a digital badge kit for your website and social channels
  • Featured Founding Member placement in the directory
Independent Badge

Locally Owned Independent Veterinary Practice

A recognisable mark for independent clinics championing local, owner-led veterinary care.

Journal

Reporting on a profession at a turning point.

Independent journalism on the UK veterinary sector — covering consolidation, the CMA investigation, and the practices finding new ways forward.

The Long Read

What corporate consolidation has actually done to UK pet care.

In 2013, ten percent of UK vet practices were owned by corporate groups. By 2024 it was sixty percent. We spoke to twenty-two vets — across both sides of the divide — about what changed when the boardroom moved in.

Helen Marsh · 14 min readRead →

Explainer

What makes a vet practice independent, in plain English.

4 min readRead →

Regional

Five new independents to know about in Yorkshire this autumn.

6 min readRead →

For Practice Owners

Run an independent practice? Make sure pet owners can find you.

Claim your free listing in under five minutes. Add your photos, story, and opening hours — and apply for the Independent Badge to help pet owners recognise your practice as locally owned.

Independent practices onlyFree to claim, free to keepBadge kit issued in 1–2 days