Supporting independent vets in Spain

Last year VetFamily launched in Spain with the aim to support and strengthen independent vet clinics all over the country. So what has happened since then? We got an update from the VetFamily Spain’s Country Manager Christian Battazza and one of the member clinics, the Tudela Veterinary Clinic.

“We decided to enter the Spanish market because we saw a big need to support and protect the independent clinics, and to help them in their adaption to all the changes that are happening right now”, says Christian. He continues “There are more than 6000 clinics in Spain, most of them smaller, and a clear majority are independent. They are getting squeezed from one side by the entry of big corporate groups and from the other side pet food shops with integrated clinics and other low-cost clinics. We want to offer our members the best support in their ambition to stay competitive, for example with new services for pet owners, leadership development, or supplier partnerships to strengthen the clinic’s market offer.”

Leveraging the international experience
The team in Spain currently consists of Christian Battazza and four Partner Managers supporting the member clinics – Beatriz Barrero in the northwest, Pablo Baños in the east, and Davinia Negrin and Lucia Sanchez in the center of Spain. Some of them are vets, some of them bring other competences. They also draw extra strength from the wider VetFamily organization and years of experience in other countries.

“Being part of a large, experienced organization is very valuable for us in VetFamily Spain, and our Spanish member clinics, we can leverage the VetFamily Group’s insights, know-how and tools for clinics in Spain. In the first year, despite all restrictions due to covid, more than 85 clinics have joined VetFamily, and I am looking forward to welcoming many more clinics going forward!” says Christian.

Supporting my development
The Tudela Veterinary Clinic in the province of Valladolid is one of the members, joining VetFamily in October 2020. Milagros Retortillo, clinic owner and manager, says “Being a member of VetFamily has given me confidence, security and simplicity in the daily management of the different aspects of my veterinary practice. I founded my clinic 25 years ago and I can say that a lot has changed in small animal practice from when I started. These changes are mainly related to training, updating of pathologies, more advanced diagnostic methods, longer prognosis etc, so the outside support is appreciated. My focuses right now are HR issues and health plans, and VetFamily provide me support and development to achieve my goals.”

About Tudela Veterinary Clinic

Located in the north of Spain in the province of Valladolid in the region of Castilla y León. This is a region that is fundamentally an agri-food and livestock farming area. The Tudela Clinic however primarily focus on companion animals. The team is made up of 3 veterinarians and 2 veterinary assistants.