VetFamily arrives in Portugal, strengthening support for independent veterinary clinics

VetFamily has officially launched in Portugal, marking another important step in our mission to empower independent veterinary clinics with the tools, services, and community they need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry. The launch took place at one of Portugal's leading veterinary fairs in Lisbon, where VetFamily's Christian Battazza and Fernanda Pereira, met clinic owners from across the country and introduced the support now available to independent clinics.

Portugal is home to around 1,500 veterinary clinics, and approximately 85% of them operate independently. For VetFamily, that makes Portugal a natural addition to our growing global community.

"Portugal has a strong tradition of independent veterinary practice, and that's exactly where VetFamily belongs," says Ivo Dubbers, Head of Expansion at VetFamily. "Every new country we enter is about much more than growth. It's about making sure more independent clinics have access to the support, knowledge, and community they need to remain competitive and relevant. We believe the future of veterinary medicine needs a strong independent sector, and we're proud to now support clinics in Portugal on that journey."

Representing VetFamily on the ground in Portugal is Fernanda Pereira, who joins as Partner Manager and will be the primary point of contact for Portuguese member clinics. Having worked closely with veterinary professionals, Fernanda already sees a common theme among clinic owners.

"What strikes me most when I speak with clinic owners is how proud they are of their independence," she says. "They want to continue running their own clinics, making their own decisions, and building their own culture. What they're looking for is a trusted partner who understands those ambitions and can help them succeed. That's exactly what VetFamily is here to be."

From day one, Portuguese member clinics gain access to VetFamily's purchasing services and international community, connecting them with more than 11,000 independent clinics across the 14 countries. Over time, additional services will be introduced based on the needs and priorities of the Portuguese market, following the same approach VetFamily has taken in every country: listening first, then building together with the local clinic community.

With Portugal joining the network, VetFamily continues to strengthen its role as the leading independent veterinary service platform, supporting clinic owners with practical tools, meaningful partnerships, and a global community dedicated to helping independent veterinary medicine thrive.