A poor work life balance within the profession combined with the increasing expectations of pet owners for a 24 hour service had created an opportunity for dedicated Out of Hours emergency provision. Richard funded the business initially with the proceeds from the sale of his flat, opening Vets Now’s first clinic in Glasgow. In the first year, the company’s turnover was £470,000.
Within two years, the company had opened a number of clinics across the UK. Vets Now grew quickly during this period, at one point opening six clinics in eight weeks. The company has continued to grow and to date, has opened 50 clinics across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
In 2007, Vets Now launched the UKs first national canine blood donation charity, Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) providing a much needed canine blood transfusion service.
The company employs over 350 veterinary staff and covers the Out Of Hours work for over 700 veterinary practices