Our journeys into practice ownership
There are many different routes you could take into practice ownership. Hear from some of our practice owners on why and how they decided to own their future.
Signing & celebration day
We are thrilled to announce a major milestone at Maidstone Vets for Pets, as Angela Van Der Park and Laura Barton officially take the reins as Practice Owners. For the pair, this achievement marks the realisation of years of dedication, hard work, and passion for both animal care and their local community.
Angela began her career with Vets for Pets in 2014, joining the Graduate Scheme at Maidstone, and has been with the practice ever since. Progressing into her role as Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Lead, she has been a steadfast presence through many transitions—from joint venture ownership to becoming a company-owned practice, and now as Practice Owner herself.
Laura’s journey began in 2007 as a part-time Receptionist, driven by her love for animals and her skills in administration. Her career grew steadily, advancing to Head Receptionist and eventually to Practice Manager at Companion Care in 2017. In 2019, she joined Maidstone, where her passion for team development and client care flourished, and has now proudly stepped into the position of Practice Owner.
"When the idea was first brought to me, I wasn’t 100% sure if I wanted to do it just by myself. But when Laura approached me, it just made sense. We’ve worked together for six years, and we’ve always run the practice like it was our own, so to make that official is amazing.”
Angela Van Der Park, Practice Owner, Maidstone Vets for Pets
Reaping the rewards
With experience under her belt, Leigh-Anne was ready to start something on her own, and after viewing the Vets for Pets Harrogate practice she loved what she saw. Leigh-Anne now runs a mature, debt-free practice as her own business, with the support of over 400 other practice owners at her side along with specialist support from Vets for Pets veterinary and business services teams.
“The model gives me both security and flexibility to work in the way that suits me. I take time off for holidays, festivals and the things I want to do, because as a business-owner I can. But more than that, when life happens there is an extra layer of support. I suffered a sudden bereavement and this model truly helped keep my business running through things like insurance to cover locum fees. I can’t stress how much of a relief that was.”
Dr Leigh-Anne Brown, Practice Owner of Vets for Pets Harrogate
When Sarah qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1994 she set her sights on dreams of progressing to become a Head Nurse, never imagining practice ownership would become a reality.
"I think this journey came about because of Vet for Pets. I do believe they have aided RVNs and this journey really well. I think this is beyond my expectations of my career but it's very exciting. It's really amazing to be able to, as an RVN, say you're now a practice owner.”
Sarah Kaines, Practice Owner of Vets for Pets Bodmin
RVN progression success
From Locum to Practice Owner
While exploring different partnership options, Vets for Pets stood out to Lee because of our unique model and the support we provide to practice owners.
After spending 12 months working as a locum at the Vets for Pets Grantham practice, he saw a massive opportunity - with a good client base and a solid team, there were lots of opportunities for growth.
Lee said: “I've been eager to get going and achieving this long-term ambition of becoming a practice owner is a significant milestone for me. It's been a long time coming, I'm so excited to get going!"
And after a few months settling into his practice, Lee shared "It's been a busy few weeks getting exposure to all the systems and departments that will be supporting me as a practice owner. But it has also been great fun starting to put my personal stamp on the practice. We've been tweaking clinical protocols, identifying areas for future investment and looking for areas where we can improve efficiency. The best part so far has been letting the clients know that I'm here to stay, many of which I'd gotten to know well during my time as a locum."
Lee Middleton, Practice Owner of Vets for Pets Grantham
What will your ownership journey look like?
Partnering with us makes practice owners part of a thriving community of business-owner practitioners, with the clinical and operational autonomy to make the right decisions for pets and their owners. They’re doing things their way, with our support.
Questions? Arrange a call with one of our experienced Partnerships Team today
An informal confidential chat allows you to explore what practice ownership could look like for you, commitment free
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