National Veterinary Associates
Veterinary practice management company operating animal hospitals nationwide.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Ares Management2019-09-30
What Made It Great
Consolidation platform for independent veterinary practices
What PE Will Likely Do
Reduction in nursing staff and replacement of experienced RNs with less-qualified LPNs or aides, leading to longer wait times and decreased attention to individual pet needs
Sale of veterinary hospital real estate and leaseback arrangements, potentially leading to higher rents and reduced investment in facility upkeep and modernization
Aggressive billing practices to maximize reimbursement, including upcoding of procedures and diagnoses, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for pet owners
Elimination of unprofitable but essential services like specialized care for complex or chronic conditions, forcing pet owners to seek care elsewhere
Imposition of large management and consulting fees, reducing resources available for direct patient care and leading to a decline in service quality
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Announcements of 'optimization' and leadership changes, giving the appearance of improvements
“6 to 12 months months”
Staffing cuts and service reviews begin, with some cost-cutting measures implemented
“12 to 24 months months”
Service quality noticeably declines, with longer wait times, reduced attention to individual pet needs, and fewer specialized services available
“24 to 36 months months”
Significant issues emerge, such as the closure of certain veterinary departments or the exposure of quality-related scandals
“36+ months months”
Potential bankruptcy, widespread hospital closures, or a fire sale to another operator, leaving pet owners with limited access to veterinary care
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Monitor any announcements or changes made to National Veterinary Associates' services and staffing levels
Be alert for signs of decreasing service quality, such as longer wait times, reduced attention to individual pet needs, and the elimination of specialized care services
Be prepared to seek alternative veterinary care providers if the quality of care at National Veterinary Associates declines significantly
Consider contacting local consumer advocacy groups or regulatory authorities if you observe concerning changes in the quality of care or pricing at National Veterinary Associates
Alternatives
Community-focused healthcare
Integrated managed care consortium