You can learn a lot about an industry by listening to the people who work in it every day. And the conversations our customer service team and state managers regularly have with independent veterinary clinics are very telling about what’s happening in 2026. Many are navigating several pressures simultaneously, from increasing operational costs to workforce concerns and changing client expectations.
For 65 years, Cenvet has built strong relationships with veterinary practices across Australia. We know there’s a lot that goes into keeping a business viable, particularly in today’s economic climate. That’s why it’s important to understand which issues are causing the greatest concern and what their impact looks like in practical terms.
“Owners and managers have to carefully weigh the costs of providing high-quality patient care against keeping fees at a level pet owners can afford.”
While the general public frequently raises concerns about the rising cost of living, it’s much the same in the world of running a veterinary practice. Operating expenses are eating into profitability, and managing cash flow has become a delicate balancing act. Owners and managers have to carefully weigh the costs of providing high-quality patient care against keeping fees at a level pet owners can afford.
Speaking of affordability for pet owners, household budgets are being stretched further, and some people are finding it hard to even pay for veterinary consultations and routine preventative care. This adds another layer of complexity for clinics, as the expense can become a genuine barrier to getting help for a much-loved family member.
There’s only so much a business can absorb before difficult decisions have to be made. But increasing fees isn’t straightforward. Even when it’s necessary, practice owners have to weigh how clients will respond against the need to remain competitive.
Staff shortages are also taking their toll. Finding enough qualified people to fill vacancies is hard enough, but the effects are also felt by those already on the roster. With fewer hands available, owners and managers can find themselves spending more time dealing with rostering and recruitment and less on running the business. For those who also have clinical responsibilities, there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything.
The emotional demands of veterinary work also deserve attention. Veterinary professionals regularly deal with distressing situations, and some feel they aren’t receiving adequate support. Heavy workloads and limited opportunities to step away or ask for assistance can also increase the risk of burnout.
Feedback also suggests that relatively low remuneration is prompting some veterinary professionals to leave the industry altogether. With them goes years of accumulated knowledge and practical experience that can’t easily be replaced. For smaller teams, the loss of even one long-serving colleague can affect everything from clinical capacity to the continuity of patient care.
“Clinics need to know they can get what they’ve ordered, when they need it, and speak to someone who can resolve any questions or concerns.”
Our customer service team is receiving more enquiries about veterinary product pricing, rebates and alternative options as clinics look more closely at their purchasing expenditure. Owners and managers are looking for opportunities to reduce spending.
In animal healthcare, quality remains essential. Clinics need to be confident that any lower-priced options are reliable, suitable for their patients and consistent with the reputation they’ve established. Cenvet’s Purchase Assist service can help with this by reviewing product selection and identifying where savings may be possible without sacrificing those standards.
How stock is ordered and managed is also getting more attention. Keeping too much product on the shelf ties up money, but running short on frequently used items creates unnecessary disruption. What clinics need is a way to keep track of inventory and make ordering less time-consuming. That’s why we developed Cenvet Pulse, with features such as barcode scanning, saved ordering templates and access to previous orders to help manage supplies more efficiently.
With all of this in mind, it’s understandable that clinics are reviewing their wholesale arrangements and comparing what different suppliers have to offer. Our team is receiving questions not just about pricing, but about exploring other options. We understand that every expense needs to be demonstrably worthwhile.
Reliable deliveries, consistent product availability, responsive customer service and competitive rebates all play a part in maintaining a good supplier relationship. Clinics need to know they can get what they’ve ordered, when they need it, and speak to someone who can resolve any questions or concerns.
The growing presence of corporate veterinary groups is also being felt by some independent operators. As larger organisations continue to acquire practices, smaller businesses can find themselves competing with companies that have greater purchasing power and resources. For independent owners, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers who understand their circumstances is extremely important.
The feedback from our customer service team and state managers revealed many common themes around how independent veterinary clinics are making decisions about their finances, people and resources. There are no easy answers to some of the wider issues facing the profession, and we certainly don’t pretend to have them all. But what we can do is help simplify certain aspects of running a practice, so you have more time and capacity for everything else.
And as we prepare for 2027, we’ll be keeping these insights in mind. With more than 65 years of experience working with independent veterinary practices across Australia, Cenvet knows that no two businesses have exactly the same needs. Our team takes the time to understand your individual requirements so we can offer personalised, practical advice, including services such as CenVet Pulse, Purchase Assist, CenSational Plus and Obay.
Contact us today and discover what Cenvet can offer your clinic.
Rising operating expenses and cost-of-living pressures are making it harder for independent veterinary clinics to balance profitability with affordable patient care.
Staffing shortages, workplace stress and relatively low remuneration are affecting veterinary teams and contributing to workforce attrition.
Practices are reviewing product expenditure, stock management and ordering processes to identify savings without compromising patient care.
Independent clinics are reassessing wholesale relationships, with supplier reliability, product availability, customer service and rebates influencing their decisions.
Claremont Veterinary Surgery has relied on Cenvet since opening for dependable supply, clear communication and support that keeps a busy team working smoothly.
A two-part article where Lionel Bloom shares the history of the veterinary channel and James Arnold explains what independent clinics need to stay competitive in a changing industry.
Cat Haven relies on Cenvet for a stable supply, consistent pricing, and hands-on account support that keeps high-volume shelter medicine running smoothly.
We deliver more than products. We provide the systems, support, and rewards that help independent veterinary practices grow stronger every day.
Reliable delivery and clear communication that keep your clinic running smoothly.
Learn More
Practical support that helps you choose alternatives and manage supply with ease.
Learn More
Join the Cenvet network and gain a partner who understands the demands of running an independent practice. With our reliable service, tailored support, and straightforward solutions, we make it easier to run your clinic with confidence and focus on what matters most.
Sydney Head Office
Other Offices
