If you own a veterinary clinic, you have probably noticed that the conversation around selling a practice has changed. Ten years ago, most owners sold quietly to a local vet. Today, you are just as likely to be approached by a corporate buyer, a private equity-backed group, or an independent DVM ready to step in.
2025 is not just another year in the veterinary M&A world. It is a signal that the market is shifting — and how you respond will shape your exit. Whether you are thinking of selling soon or just keeping an eye on your options, here are the trends every owner should know.
Corporate buyers are still active — but selective
Corporate groups are still buying, but they are not snapping up every clinic they see. In 2025, they are focused on profitable practices with low owner dependence, clean financials, and strong teams. The days of inflated offers for average clinics are mostly over. If you want to attract serious corporate attention, your practice needs to look solid on paper and stable in reality.
Independent buyers are making a comeback
As interest rates begin to stabilize, more associate vets and small groups are getting back in the game. Some are leaving corporate and looking to buy their first clinic. Others are expanding their local footprint. What this means for sellers is more choice. You are not limited to the big consolidators. And if you want your clinic to stay locally owned, that path is open again.
Valuations depend more on EBITDA than ever
Buyers are not interested in top-line revenue. They are looking closely at profit margins. Practices with healthy, predictable EBITDA are commanding higher multiples. If your overhead is too high or your books are messy, that will hurt you during due diligence. But if you can show strong profit and low volatility over the last two to three years, you are in a good position to negotiate.
Real estate is playing a bigger role
Some buyers want to acquire both the practice and the building. Others prefer to lease. In either case, your facility matters more than you think. Clean, updated spaces in high-demand areas sell faster and often at a premium. And if you own the building, you have the option to sell or lease it — giving you more flexibility during negotiations.
Staffing stability impacts sale value
This might be the most overlooked factor. Buyers do not just want a profitable clinic. They want a team that will stay post-sale. If your practice has high turnover or relies heavily on locums, that raises concern. On the other hand, if you have loyal doctors, solid techs, and a well-run front desk, your value increases — even if your numbers are average.
Some owners are waiting too long to prepare
One of the biggest mistakes right now is waiting until you are ready to sell to clean things up. Buyers in 2025 are more thorough. They ask for detailed financials, contracts, employee records, and growth plans. If you wait until the last minute to prepare, you lose leverage. The owners getting the best outcomes are the ones who started planning two to three years in advance.
Final word
The veterinary sales market is still strong in 2025 — but it is more nuanced. Buyers are being cautious. Deals are taking longer. And the gap between average and well-prepared practices is getting wider. If you are thinking about selling, the smartest thing you can do right now is understand the trends, get your house in order, and give yourself time to position the practice properly.
If you want a full breakdown of what it takes to sell well, including how to prepare, what buyers look for, and how deal structures work, check out the Complete Owner’s Guide to Selling a Veterinary Practice in 2025. It walks you through everything step by step.