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IVC Group acquires Vets Now
Vets Now will operate as an independent part of the IVC Group.
Emergency clinics to complement referral strategy 

Independent Vet Care has announced that Vets Now is to join its group later this month.

Vets Now will operate as an independent part of the IVC Group, with the current operating board led by CEO Mark Ross. The company’s head office will remain in Dunfermline, Fife, and there will be no charge for practices using the Vets Now service.

IVC Group chief executive David Hillier said: “We are delighted that Vets Now is joining the group. It is an exceptional business with a reputation for clinical quality and a key partner to much of the profession in the UK, providing emergency services at nights, weekends and bank holidays and operating from 58 sites nationwide.

“The company’s three 24/7 emergency and specialty hospitals will also complement our inter-company referral strategy to deliver a complete veterinary care solution.”

Vets Now chief executive Mark Ross added: “IVC is an exceptionally good fit for us. They have a reputation for allowing vet businesses to get on with what they do best and, importantly we will continue to operate autonomously.

“Our focus will be to continue providing the same great partnerships with all the UK independent veterinary practices and corporate groups we work with today.”

He added: “Our business has gone from strength-to-strength in a relatively short period of time, which is testament to our incredible team of over 1000 staff working up and down the country, caring for pets at the time they need it most. We’re looking forward to continuing our high levels of service and continuing to expand and evolve our business.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.