07 May Why is an independent veterinary practice better for my pet?

Why is an independent veterinary practice better for my pet?

Pets are members of our family, and there are many benefits to registering them with an independent veterinary practice. In the UK, we tend to have two forms of ownership: corporate or independent. A good way to differentiate between the two is comparable to that of an independently owned local shop and a supermarket chain! What makes our practice truly unique as an independent runs far deeper than what meets the eye, however. We do things a little differently!

Our practice is uniquely positioned as we are surrounded by corporately owned alternatives. You, as clients, have direct access to the owner and leader, James Bennett, and the people in his team who make decisions on behalf of our veterinary hospital in Fulham and our practice in Chiswick. Our fees are dependent on our local costs, not central budgets. We aren’t allied to other veterinary service providers, so all our advice is impartial. We believe this is what you deserve as pet owners. Unlike the practices that surround us, being independent, all our time is focused on providing exceptional care to our patients. 

What’s the difference between an independent veterinary practice and a corporate?

As a locally owned and family-run business, we actively engage with and deeply embed ourselves in the community. We serve it, employ from it, and pay into it. Our service is genuine value for money, and we continually invest in facilities, training and our team to continue to be the best available. We want to be the vets your pets would choose, providing care for your pets that’s better than what you could get for yourselves.

This is not only through our facilities and training, but also through continuity of care. The same team will see your pet throughout their life. We get to know them, and you, in depth, developing a bond and trust. This allows us to provide personalised care to the highest standard. We support pets from their entry to the world, ensuring they live a fulfilled life and leave this world feeling the same love and compassion we would treat our own family. 

With our team at the helm, we have complete autonomy over our business. We are responsive to your and your pet’s needs and can implement change, fast! We have the freedom to make decisions based on what we believe is best for our patients and clients, rather than having to follow corporate policies or guidelines. Additionally, we don’t need authorisation from ‘head office’. The team you see manages and undertakes the decision-making regarding how we run our practice. As pet owners ourselves, we know what’s important. This helps us to be innovative thought-leaders when it comes to the latest technologies and treatments available to our patients. This improves their quality of life and provides choice when it’s needed. 

Supporting local practices with 24-hour care and referrals

What makes our practice truly unique is that we also support other local practices with their patient care. As inner London’s only independently owned emergency vet, 24-hour overnight care and advanced referral centre, we also support and advise first opinion vets and are a vital part of the patient care triangle. Animal welfare truly is at the heart of our work. 

We are revolutionising modern veterinary care in the way we believe is best for our patients. Our values run deep, and the team you have or will come to know and trust sets them. We focus on getting pets better; Wolfe Vets saves animals’ lives using advanced surgeries and medications. This is possible through our team’s higher and continued qualifications. We do so whilst remaining friendly, patient and ensuring our pet owners have and understand all the information they need to make an informed decision on their pet’s care, whether that be in a more complex situation or down to day-to-day pet care. Our team are here for everything your pets need, close to home. So much so, our owner, Dr James Bennett, named our practice after his son, Wolfe.

By now, you may understand why Wolfe Vets is not your usual ‘general practice’ and what being independent can mean for you and your pet. The advantages of veterinary independence are significant. We know they will make a substantial difference to both you and your pets’ overall experience.