Testimonials

Find out what previous owners are saying about our company, our philosophy, our process and more.

“My reason for partnering with VetStrategy was multifactorial. The last few years of managing a large and growing practice have been difficult. We were having a hard time finding enough qualified staff to keep up with our growth. We were bogged down with the human resources side of running the hospital. VetStrategy assured us they could support our team with recruitment and human resources, while at the same time allowing us to maintain the fantastic culture we’ve taken years to develop at Dundas West Animal Hospital. This partnership allows us to always keep our focus on practicing best medicine.”
Dr. Scott Bainbridge

“I chose to partner with VetStrategy for many reasons. I wanted to join forces with a Canadian-based company who understood and had strong relationships with our local vendors, labs, as well as the veterinary and technician schools who support us. It was very important for me to work with an organization that respects the culture and management style of our practice. It was also crucial they understood medicine protocols and decisions are best left to our talented veterinarians. I was thrilled to team up with a company that has lots of experience with real estate, design and renovating hospitals. Expanding is a major next step for us so we can continue to efficiently support the people and pets in our community.“
Dr. Debbie Kilburn

Dundas West Animal Hospital
Toronto, ON

Joined VetStrategy: 2021

“Because of VetStrategy’s strong expertise in management, their flexible and understanding structure, and their focus on promoting a team environment, they helped to improve my practice.

True to their promise, there was no name change to the hospital. When it comes to veterinary medicine, there is no interference with how we practice nor is there any type of protocol that we must follow. They trust us to do our work the way we believe is best for our patients and clients. They also ensure we have the proper equipment and staff necessary to be successful, and handle all management, marketing, and other tasks that veterinarians do not enjoy.

VetStrategy provides valuable benefits and continuing education opportunities for my staff. They understand the importance of maintaining both a healthy mind and body, and treat each individual member with fairness and respect.”

Dr. Lisa Lomsnes
Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital
Red Deer, Alberta

Founded: 1998
Joined VetStrategy: 2014

“I didn’t think anyone could do it better than me because I had been doing it for 20 years. But I was burned out and didn’t have much energy for management. VetStrategy knows what they are doing and it shows.

After the sale, the staff did have some initial trepidation, but there was no immediate impact other than some administrative changes. Now, the staff is excited as they recognize that some of the changes are beneficial to them and the practice.

Personally, I experienced a gradual release of the feeling of overwhelming responsibility that had become a burden. I now feel joy at being able to focus on being a veterinarian, which I love.”

Dr. Tutteli Pukarinen
Coastland Veterinary Hospital
Campbell River, British Columbia

Founded: 1999
Joined VetStrategy: 2019

“My business partner had a firm timeline for exiting the business in order to retire. Due to the lack of interest from younger associates and possibly the inability to finance a buy-in by associates, it became obvious that another route had to be taken.

We liked that VetStrategy is a Canadian company willing to adopt and retain core values of our business, and provided assurances of meeting staff and clients’ needs.

We chose VetStrategy because of their commitment to maintaining staff and honouring their terms of employment.

After the initial concern about selling, I have no regrets and would advise others to consider VetStrategy.”

Dr. Stefan Lerché and Dr. Alan Longair
Prevost Veterinary Clinic
Duncan, British Columbia

Founded: 1950
Joined VetStrategy: 2018

“I didn’t realize how ready I was to transition out of practice ownership until I sat down and discussed things with VetStrategy. My biggest fear in considering the sale was what would happen to my staff. It turns out these fears were completely unfounded. Two and a half years after the sale, I’m still valued by my clients, co-workers and new employers.”

Dr. Beverly Baxter
Baxter Animal Hospital
Sudbury, Ontario

Founded: 1997
Joined VetStrategy: 2014

“I chose VetStrategy because of their Canadian roots and their reputation for retaining staff and not altering practices.

There is no dictating of medical practice or control over which drugs to use, nor are there “monthly performance targets” that veterinarians are required to reach. My Office Manager has been provided with guidance and education and has become our Practice Manager with a better future that is no longer limited by these four walls. In short, there has been only positive change for everyone in the practice, particularly myself.

I now work part-time and have almost no stress at work as I only have to worry about practicing medicine and surgery.

I have not regretted that decision at all. Every single one of my staff and veterinarians have stayed on with the new company and the atmosphere in the practice has remained exactly as it was before the sale. My vets remain happy and continue to practice in exactly the same way that they did before.

The sale resulted in a secure retirement for myself and my wife, a happily engaged staff and a strong future for both my staff and the practice I worked so hard to build.”

Dr. Mike Steen
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Trenton, Ontario

Founded: 1971
Joined VetStrategy: 2015

“VetStrategy’s commitment to respecting the heritage of our hospital was a key factor in our decision. We still practice medicine the way we always have. From our clients’ perspective, nothing has changed.”

Dr. Chris Forbes and Dr. Leo Hylkema
Mill Bay Veterinary Hospital
Mill Bay, British Columbia

Founded: 1992
Joined VetStrategy: 2016

“For a number of years before I sold to VetStrategy, I thought about selling the practice.
I wanted to go back to what I loved doing the most, which was veterinary medicine. So selling to VetStrategy allowed me to divest myself from the ownership burdens. The sale process went very well and very smoothly. From the time that I decided to sell to the time the deal was closed was 5 months, so it went very quick. Dealing with VetStrategy is easy.”

Dr. Dave Kerr
North Hill Animal Hospital
Bolton, Ontario

Founded: 1986
Joined VetStrategy: 2012

“I am approaching a time in my life where I don’t want to have as many managerial responsibilities. VetStrategy was a great fit!

The immediate impact of the sale was negligible – we just kept working as we had been. It didn’t affect us or our clients.

One of the reasons I would recommend VetStrategy is that they are a Canadian company! Also, they don’t meddle in your medicine (which is so important for a holistic practice. They kept their word. They listened to our opinions and took our advice. They kept us all firmly involved in the transition and they offered fair market value.

I’m more than pleased with VetStrategy. The staff and practice benefits are overall better than I could offer as a solo practitioner. The management training has been great for our manager, and there are opportunities for staff advancement.”

Dr. Jennifer Bishop
Full Circle Veterinary Alternatives
Darmouth, Nova Scotia

Founded: 1999
Joined VetStrategy: 2016

“After considering selling for six years, VetStrategy made everything easy by executing a seamless transition.

We had great professional advice guiding us throughout the process. The timing was ideal and we were ready to let go of management duties to focus on patient care. When someone understands your clinic’s values, you know it is the right fit.

If you have succession on your mind and no firm plan, consider VetStrategy.”

Dr. Peter Blomfield
Acadia Drive Animal Clinic
Calgary, Alberta

Founded: 1989
Joined VetStrategy: 2017

“We had a common vision with VetStrategy which was very similar to what we wanted to accomplish. It’s a little hard to let go, but I’m very satisfied. I do believe that it has extended my veterinary career, which I still love and still have a passion to do every day.”

Dr. Francis Arsenault
Riverview Animal Hospital
Riverview, New Brunswick

Founded: 1973
Joined VetStrategy: 2012

“How personable and relationship based they were made me realize they were a company I could not only feel comfortable selling to, but also a company I could see myself working with for many years.

Once I decided to sell, VetStrategy was the only choice that made sense. Being still 20+ years away from retirement, VetStrategy was open to the fact I wanted to keep a certain percentage of ownership. While selling a business is never quick and easy, VetStrategy was very accommodating and it really did feel as if we were working together to make it all work instead of us negotiating against each other. They realized all this was not just another transaction, but a huge life and business decision.

I am excited for the opportunities that VetStrategy gives me (both professionally and personally), and just as important, to all my staff.”

Dr. Daniel Caudle
Princess Animal Hospital & Downtown Animal Hospital
Kingston, Ontario

Founded: 1985 & 2015
Joined VetStrategy: 2019

“It was like finding a business partner that allowed you to focus on what you do best: medicine and surgery. All those other things fade into the background.

The transition process was well organized. There is always a lot of angst in the teams with transitions and they kept them informed. They had an obvious plan and they shared it at every step.”

Dr. Rick Swinemar
PetFocus – PetWorks Veterinary Hospital
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Founded: 1979
Joined VetStrategy: 2015

“I have had succession planning in the back of my mind since acquiring the Campbell River Vet Hospital in 2008. I always assumed that one of my associates would have taken over. I also knew that it could be tough to find associates who would want to own a veterinary business, so I always had the option open to some of them to buy in.

I was attracted to VetStrategy because after the acquisition they would not change the culture at the hospital. We worked very hard and long to provide the customer care that we do and get the staff all on board. So I didn’t want all that messed up.

VetStrategy has some of the nicest people. Steve and Lisa were a joy to meet at the beginning of the process, and probably played a bigger role than they realized in my decision to sell to VetStrategy. VetStrategy surprised me with the speed of their offer. I thought the selling process was cumbersome but it went relatively smoothly.

After the sale, I now have much more free time to do the things I always wanted to do. I feel less responsibility at work but still try to give advice to my manager when I am there.

So far they’ve kept their word that they would not change the practice to any great extent. It’s not the ‘corporate boss’ that everyone fears.”

Dr. Rodney Nast
Campbell River Veterinary Hospital
Campbell River, British Columbia

Founded: 1978
Joined VetStrategy: 2017

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