A Wells-based vet has voiced concern over growing commercial pressure in the veterinary sector, following a national investigation that raised questions about how care is delivered in some corporate-owned practices.

Charles Moore, who runs Nurture — a small independent group of veterinary surgeries in the South West — was responding to findings from a recent BBC File on 4 programme. The investigation heard from vets working for large veterinary chains who said they were being judged on income targets and the number of procedures they carried out, rather than the standard of care they provided.

"It's disturbing – but not surprising," said Moore. "We hear the stories, we see the culture shift. It's no longer about care, it's about conversion rates. That's not what pet owners sign up for. And it's certainly not what animals deserve."

The BBC report featured testimony from multiple vets working for IVC Evidensia, one of the UK's largest veterinary groups, which owns more than 900 practices across the country. They claimed they were being encouraged to hit targets for specific procedures and were even offered prizes for meeting internal "milestones".

The company said that clinical autonomy remains central to its work, and that targets were in place to ensure consistent care and early diagnosis — not to drive profit. It also stressed that vets have freedom to recommend care based on the needs of each animal and its owner.

Moore, however, said he believed the current system could leave pet owners uncertain about whether treatment plans are based on clinical need or internal performance targets. "People love their pets like family. They need to be able to trust the advice they're given — not wonder whether it's being influenced by sales targets."

Figures from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) show a sharp shift in practice ownership in the last decade. In 2013, just 10% of UK vet practices were owned by corporate groups. Today, that figure stands at 60%. The CMA is currently carrying out an investigation into whether this change has led to higher prices and reduced choice for pet owners. It is due to publish provisional recommendations in July.

Moore said many owners are unaware of who actually owns their vet practice, with some corporate groups continuing to use the word "independent" in their branding. "That confusion doesn't help trust," he added.

"Not all practices operate in the same way — but people should feel confident asking questions about their pet's care, and about who's ultimately making the decisions."