VetThing expands UK footprint with first five practice acquisitions

VetThing, the UK-specific brand of European veterinary giant Vetopia, has announced the acquisition of its first five practices following its market entry in autumn 2025. 

The new members include Arvonia Vets, which operates across three sites in Gloucestershire, Stellar Vets in West Sussex, and Park House Vets in Staffordshire.

The parent group, Vetopia, currently manages more than 200 practices across nine countries. 

The UK expansion utilises a model that allows individual practices to maintain local autonomy while accessing the group’s international resources and advanced clinical networks.

More than 50% of the company’s shares are held by employees, allowing clinicians and clinic leaders to become shareholders and directly participate in the group’s financial performance.

Ben Hanning MRCVS, CEO of VetThing, said: “Since we launched VetThing in the UK last autumn, I have been bowled over by the response from colleagues who are keen to understand why our approach is different. Many of us became vets because we want to look after our patients, but we’re not always very good at looking after ourselves in what has become an increasingly pressurised environment.

“Being part of VetThing offers the opportunity to retain autonomy while supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and collaborating. It’s clearly the right time for a group that invests in people, as well as in bricks and mortar.”