Anonymous wrote:Are they more expensive or about the same as others? I know Banfield is cheaper but they are corporate as well- might even be owned by the same company. I think veterinary care has just generally become more expensive because the technology has improved and also because vets need to earn more than they probably are. It's ok with me.

VCA is owned by banfield.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re looking for an independent vet I used to take my dog to Hickory Ridge Animal Hospital in Columbia. The vet is competent and friendly and my dog was always well cared for.

Thanks!Is it just one veterinarian or a team? I find that is important for a lot of reasons. I am not sure that if I want to switch, I am happy enough, I just noticed that a lot of vets in move around or leave and I was curious if that was because of any reason. And I didn't know if it was more because they are employees of a system rather than invested in an practice.

One head vet and an additional vet who comes in on Saturday.

Anonymous wrote:If you’re looking for an independent vet I used to take my dog to Hickory Ridge Animal Hospital in Columbia. The vet is competent and friendly and my dog was always well cared for.

Thanks!Is it just one veterinarian or a team? I find that is important for a lot of reasons. I am not sure that if I want to switch, I am happy enough, I just noticed that a lot of vets in move around or leave and I was curious if that was because of any reason. And I didn't know if it was more because they are employees of a system rather than invested in an practice.

If you’re looking for an independent vet I used to take my dog to Hickory Ridge Animal Hospital in Columbia. The vet is competent and friendly and my dog was always well cared for.

Are they more expensive or about the same as others? I know Banfield is cheaper but they are corporate as well- might even be owned by the same company. I think veterinary care has just generally become more expensive because the technology has improved and also because vets need to earn more than they probably are. It's ok with me.

I think several or most VCAs have usually one or two older vets, generally.

I've been going to a VCA out here with my one dog and cat, and am generally happy. There are about 3 or 4 VCAs in the area. I wonder about general staff turnover, though. How is a VCA different from private veterinary practices? Pros and cons of going there, as a pet owner, as opposed to a privately owned practice.

Also, what has happened to the older seasoned veterinarian? Many everywhere seem to be largely fairly new, young, increasingly female (which is good news, but puzzling..no males in the general practice arena ?) and they move around a lot. Maybe the industry dynamic is changing.