---
title: UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Veterinary Groups
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 6
articles_analysed: 129
mentions: 67
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/data.json
summary: IVC Evidensia had the highest average monthly share of coverage (31.3%) among
  6 groups in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of CVS Group
  (28.4%) and Medivet (14.9%).
---

# UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> IVC Evidensia had the highest average monthly share of coverage (31.3%) among 6 groups in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of CVS Group (28.4%) and Medivet (14.9%). CVS Group had the most favourable net tone (+68). Omniscan analysed 129 articles containing 67 mentions of the groups tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08

## UK Veterinary Groups ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | IVC Evidensia | 31.3% | 21 | 62% | 33% | 5% | +57 |
| 2 | CVS Group | 28.4% | 19 | 74% | 21% | 5% | +68 |
| 3 | Medivet | 14.9% | 10 | 20% | 20% | 60% | −40 |
| 4 | Pets at Home Vet Group | 11.9% | 8 | 50% | 38% | 12% | +38 |
| 5 | VetPartners | 10.4% | 7 | 72% | 14% | 14% | +57 |
| 6 | Linnaeus | 3.0% | 2 | 0% | 50% | 50% | −50 |

## Groups in detail

### IVC Evidensia

**IVC Evidensia’s subject mix shifted as visibility fluctuated**

IVC Evidensia ranked 1st of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (31.3%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 21 mentions and a net tone of +57.

August restored first place at 31.3%, with coverage spanning the ITV partnership for The Joy of Pets, a World Horse Welfare partnership and the national consumer campaign for inspiring vet care. August 2026: IVC Evidensia partnered with ITV on The Joy of Pets, reported by vettimes.com. ITV's The Joy of Pets is partnered with inspiring vet care. Its chief marketing officer says the partnership reflects the role of pets and vets in people’s lives. Vets Now promotes its 2026 emergency and critical-care congress in Leeds, featuring clinical education, workshops and CPD for veterinary professionals. Vets Now is part of IVC Evidensia. IVC Evidensia's St Anne's Vets in Eastbourne is marking its 80th anniversary with client and team initiatives. The three-branch practice employs 50 associates, including 14 vets and 23 nurses.

Key messages:

- Inspiring Vet Care, scored as IVC Evidensia, has formed a three-year partnership with World Horse Welfare for its centenary. IVC teams will support volunteering, fundraising, horse health assessments and equine dental training.
- ITV's The Joy of Pets is partnered with inspiring vet care. Its chief marketing officer says the partnership reflects the role of pets and vets in people’s lives.
- Vets Now promotes its 2026 emergency and critical-care congress in Leeds, featuring clinical education, workshops and CPD for veterinary professionals. Vets Now is part of IVC Evidensia.
- inspiring vet care has launched a UK-wide consumer marketing campaign spanning television, radio, social and digital media. The campaign introduces its new national brand while local practices retain their existing names.
- IVC Evidensia's St Anne's Vets in Eastbourne is marking its 80th anniversary with client and team initiatives. The three-branch practice employs 50 associates, including 14 vets and 23 nurses.

Leading themes:

- Clinical Standards & Pet Safety: 38.1% of IVC Evidensia's coverage (theme index 1.59, net tone +50)
- Leadership & Strategy: 19.0% of IVC Evidensia's coverage (theme index 1.46, net tone +100)
- Other: 14.3% of IVC Evidensia's coverage (theme index 1.64, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 11 August 2026, vettimes.com: [Inspiring Vet Care announces charity partnership as World Horse Welfare hits century](https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/equine/group-announces-charity-partnership-as-world-horse-welfare-hits-century). Inspiring Vet Care, scored as IVC Evidensia, has formed a three-year partnership with World Horse Welfare for its centenary. IVC teams will support volunteering, fundraising, horse health assessments and equine dental training.
- 17 August 2026, vettimes.com: [IVC partners with ITV for new vet-focused series](https://www.vettimes.com/news/vet-nursing/small-animal/ivc-backs-new-itv-pet-series). IVC Evidensia, operating as inspiring vet care, partnered with ITV on The Joy of Pets. The programme will showcase veterinary teams and provide pet-health advice.
- 24 August 2026, vettimes.com: [Vet Times Extra: Discussing Vets Now ECC Congress 2026, with Marlaina Hrosch](https://www.vettimes.com/more/podcast/vets/vet-times-extra-discussing-vets-now-ecc-congress-2026-with-marlaina-hrosch). Vets Now promotes its 2026 emergency and critical-care congress in Leeds, featuring clinical education, workshops and CPD for veterinary professionals. Vets Now is part of IVC Evidensia.

- [IVC Evidensia deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=ivcevidensia&view=deep-dive)
- [IVC Evidensia PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/ivcevidensia.pdf)

### CVS Group

**CVS leads year to date as coverage shifts from finance to clinical**

CVS Group ranked 2nd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (28.4%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +68.

August’s 28.4% share placed it second as clinical research, medicines disposal, infection control and predictable-cost healthcare plans became more prominent. August 2026: CVS opened its preventative-health research grants programme, including a PhD studentship worth up to £90,000, reported by Vet Times. CVS Vets’ Devon and Cornwall team reduced antibiotic prescribing through a quality-improvement project across nine small-animal practices. The project received Highly Commended recognition in the RCVS Knowledge antimicrobial stewardship awards. Severn Edge Veterinary Group treated a French bulldog that had swallowed a rubber duck, using imaging and emergency surgery. The dog recovered well. The article presents CVS Group as an undervalued, growing veterinary-services business following the CMA investigation. It highlights its UK network, subscription plans, clinician investment and Australian expansion. CVS Vets' Veterinary Hospital in Gorleston launched Healthy Pet Club Advanced, offering unlimited consultations and preventative care. The plan is priced from £24.99 to £34.99 monthly and aims to make veterinary care costs more predictable.

Key messages:

- CVS Vets’ Devon and Cornwall team reduced antibiotic prescribing through a quality-improvement project across nine small-animal practices. The project received Highly Commended recognition in the RCVS Knowledge antimicrobial stewardship awards.
- Severn Edge Veterinary Group treated a French bulldog that had swallowed a rubber duck, using imaging and emergency surgery. The dog recovered well.
- The article presents CVS Group as an undervalued, growing veterinary-services business following the CMA investigation. It highlights its UK network, subscription plans, clinician investment and Australian expansion.
- CVS Group has opened applications for its 2026 Clinical Research Grants programme, focused on evidence-based preventative veterinary interventions. It plans to fund one PhD studentship worth up to £90,000 over three years.

Leading themes:

- Clinical Standards & Pet Safety: 42.1% of CVS Group's coverage (theme index 1.84, net tone +100)
- Pricing, Fees & Transparency: 21.1% of CVS Group's coverage (theme index 2.02, net tone +75)
- Workforce & Vet Shortage: 10.5% of CVS Group's coverage (theme index 1.26, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 27 August 2026, vetsurgeon.org: [UK Veterinary News: Clinical, Research & Industry Updates](https://www.vetsurgeon.org/b/veterinary-news?PostSortBy=MostComments&pifragment-7128=245&pifragment-7749=1). A VetSurgeon news index includes a report that CVS Vets improved antimicrobial stewardship through a quality-improvement project across 15 sites in Devon and Cornwall.
- 25 August 2026, vetsurgeon.org: [Collaborative project ‘reduces antibiotic use’ across nine practices](https://www.vetsurgeon.org/b/veterinary-news/posts/collaborative-project-reduces-antibiotic-use-across-nine-practices). CVS Vets’ Devon and Cornwall team reduced antibiotic prescribing through a quality-improvement project across nine small-animal practices. The project received Highly Commended recognition in the RCVS Knowledge antimicrobial stewardship awards.
- 14 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [French Bulldog saved by vets after swallowing rubber duck](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/french-bulldog-saved-vets-after-37550658). Severn Edge Veterinary Group treated a French bulldog that had swallowed a rubber duck, using imaging and emergency surgery. The dog recovered well.

- [CVS Group deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=cvsgroup&view=deep-dive)
- [CVS Group PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/cvsgroup.pdf)

### Medivet

**Medivet rose to third as ownership and clinical stories broadened**

Medivet ranked 3rd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (14.9%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 10 mentions and a net tone of −40.

August delivered third place on 14.9%, but the mix shifted towards ownership messaging and renewed accounts of Julian Norton and Peter Wright leaving Skeldale; separate reporting about market reform, fees and sector recruitment provided contextual references rather than company developments. August 2026: share edged down 0.2 percentage points to 14.9% but rank improved from fourth to third; stories included Medivet’s supported ownership proposition and Julian Norton’s account of leaving Skeldale over its direction. Medivet & Partners promotes a supported practice-ownership model for veterinary surgeons, with investment from £10,000 and deferred payments. Medivet is recruiting a maternity-cover veterinary surgeon for its Impington practice. The listing outlines clinical duties, development support and employee benefits. Julian Norton says he left Skeldale after its merger with Medivet because he disagreed with the practice's direction, then established independent practices. The article also discusses his television career and veterinary mental-health advocacy.

Key messages:

- Medivet & Partners promotes a supported practice-ownership model for veterinary surgeons, with investment from £10,000 and deferred payments.
- Medivet is recruiting a maternity-cover veterinary surgeon for its Impington practice. The listing outlines clinical duties, development support and employee benefits.
- Julian Norton says he left Skeldale after its merger with Medivet because he disagreed with the practice's direction, then established independent practices. The article also discusses his television career and veterinary mental-health advocacy.
- Peter Wright says Medivet's takeover of management at Skeldale contributed to his decision to leave the practice in 2021. He said the farm-work side was no longer economically viable under the new arrangement.

Leading themes:

- Leadership & Strategy: 50.0% of Medivet's coverage (theme index 5.7, net tone −60)
- Workforce & Vet Shortage: 20.0% of Medivet's coverage (theme index 2.85, net tone +50)
- CMA Remedies & Competition: 10.0% of Medivet's coverage (theme index 1.14, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 August 2026, vettimes.com: [What if 'one day' was closer than you think?](https://www.vettimes.com/news/business/practice-developments/what-if-one-day-was-closer-than-you-think). Medivet & Partners promotes a supported practice-ownership model for veterinary surgeons, with investment from £10,000 and deferred payments.
- 19 August 2026, jobs.vettimes.com: [Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover) - Impington, United Kingdom job with Medivet | 156513](https://jobs.vettimes.com/job/156513/veterinary-surgeon-maternity-cover-/). Medivet is recruiting a maternity-cover veterinary surgeon for its Impington practice. The listing outlines clinical duties, development support and employee benefits.

Notable negative coverage:

- 27 August 2026, express.co.uk: [Yorkshire Vet star Julian Norton's practices after 'most challenging surgery'](https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2242942/inside-yorkshire-vet-star-julian). The article says Julian Norton left Skeldale after it merged with Medivet because he was unhappy with the practice's direction. It focuses on the independent practices he subsequently established.
- 20 August 2026, express.co.uk: [Yorkshire Vet's Julian Norton’s Skeldale exit explained after 'difficult' choice](https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2240797/yorkshire-vets-julian-nortons-skeldale). Julian Norton says he left Skeldale after its merger with Medivet because he disagreed with the practice's direction, then established independent practices. The article also discusses his television career and veterinary mental-health advocacy.
- 27 August 2026, examinerlive.co.uk: [Inside Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton's two practices after sad Skeldale exit](https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/inside-yorkshire-vet-julian-nortons-34524536). The article reports that Julian Norton left Skeldale after its merger with Medivet, citing dissatisfaction with its direction. It otherwise focuses on his independent practices in Yorkshire.

- [Medivet deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=medivet&view=deep-dive)
- [Medivet PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/medivet.pdf)

### Pets at Home Vet Group

**Vet growth and expansion underpin a volatile third-place profile**

Pets at Home Vet Group ranked 4th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (11.9%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 8 mentions and a net tone of +38.

In August 2026, Pets at Home Vet Group recorded 8 mentions, 11.9% of cohort coverage and rank #4, with net sentiment of +38. Coverage focused on Clinical Standards & Pet Safety. August 2026: Insurance Times covered the strategy to integrate pet insurance with veterinary and retail services. Falmouth Vets for Pets treated a puppy after a fishing hook became embedded in his cheek. The puppy recovered following treatment under anaesthetic. Pets at Home reported that Vets for Pets revenue rose 1.9% to £215 million in the 16 weeks to 16 August. The business said its vet group was growing ahead of the market, supported by care-plan performance and higher transaction values. A Hereford Vets for Pets practice amputated an injured tortoise's leg after infection. The tortoise recovered and returned to normal outdoor activity.

Key messages:

- Falmouth Vets for Pets treated a puppy after a fishing hook became embedded in his cheek. The puppy recovered following treatment under anaesthetic.
- Pets at Home reported that Vets for Pets revenue rose 1.9% to £215 million in the 16 weeks to 16 August. The business said its vet group was growing ahead of the market, supported by care-plan performance and higher transaction values.
- A Hereford Vets for Pets practice amputated an injured tortoise's leg after infection. The tortoise recovered and returned to normal outdoor activity.
- Vets for Pets is opening a new practice in Cowley, led by practice owner Oscar Gomez Hernandez. The clinic will provide routine and diagnostic veterinary services.

Leading themes:

- Clinical Standards & Pet Safety: 25.0% of Pets at Home Vet Group's coverage (theme index 0.87, net tone +100)
- CMA Remedies & Competition: 12.5% of Pets at Home Vet Group's coverage (theme index 1.48, net tone −100)
- Leadership & Strategy: 12.5% of Pets at Home Vet Group's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 August 2026, bbc.co.uk: [Dog treated after fishing hook gets stuck in his cheek](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62edyn31lro). Falmouth Vets for Pets treated a puppy after a fishing hook became embedded in his cheek. The puppy recovered following treatment under anaesthetic.
- 3 August 2026, vettimes.com: [New face for Pets at Home as revenues rise](https://www.vettimes.com/news/business/finance/pets-at-home-announces-encouraging-start-to-financial-year). Pets at Home reported that Vets for Pets revenue rose 1.9% to £215 million in the 16 weeks to 16 August. The business said its vet group was growing ahead of the market, supported by care-plan performance and higher transaction values.
- 22 August 2026, bristolpost.co.uk: [Tortoise who escaped boat in Bristol docks has life-changing leg amputation](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/100-year-old-tortoise-who-11118395). A Hereford Vets for Pets practice amputated an injured tortoise's leg after infection. The tortoise recovered and returned to normal outdoor activity.

- [Pets at Home Vet Group deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=petsathomevetgroup&view=deep-dive)
- [Pets at Home Vet Group PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/petsathomevetgroup.pdf)

### VetPartners

**VetPartners’ visibility reflected company-focused operational developments and sector scrutiny**

VetPartners ranked 5th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (10.4%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 7 mentions and a net tone of +57.

August’s 10.4% share and fifth place combined company-focused reporting on Clyde Vet Group’s expansion, Vetlife fundraising and a £1,000 humanitarian-relief donation connected to an employee’s animal-rescue appeal with contextual articles about corporate ownership, fees and CMA reforms. August 2026: share fell 4.7 points to 10.4% and rank moved to fifth; Clyde Vet Group announced expansion of its Wishaw site. A VetPartners employee at Liphook Equine Hospital appeals for support after an earthquake in Colombia. VetPartners donated £1,000 to humanitarian relief. Rossdales researchers identified peak exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis in UK foals between six and nine months and in autumn and winter. The findings may inform screening and vaccination strategies. VetPartners-owned Clyde Vet Group is expanding its Wishaw site with additional staff facilities, a second operating theatre, kennels and an upgraded x-ray unit. The investment is intended to increase appointments and services.

Key messages:

- A VetPartners employee at Liphook Equine Hospital appeals for support after an earthquake in Colombia. VetPartners donated £1,000 to humanitarian relief.
- Rossdales researchers identified peak exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis in UK foals between six and nine months and in autumn and winter. The findings may inform screening and vaccination strategies.
- VetPartners-owned Clyde Vet Group is expanding its Wishaw site with additional staff facilities, a second operating theatre, kennels and an upgraded x-ray unit. The investment is intended to increase appointments and services.
- VetPartners matched a Rutland House Vets employee's fundraising, helping raise £7,169 for veterinary-profession mental-health charity Vetlife. The fundraising followed a 100km hiking challenge.

Leading themes:

- Other: 42.9% of VetPartners's coverage (theme index 6.43, net tone +100)
- Clinical Standards & Pet Safety: 14.3% of VetPartners's coverage (theme index 0.48, net tone +100)
- CMA Remedies & Competition: 14.3% of VetPartners's coverage (theme index 1.71, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 August 2026, vettimes.com: [Columbian working at Liphook Equine Hospital urges veterinary profession to support animal rescue bid](https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/vet-support-appeal-for-colombian-earthquake-animal-rescue). A VetPartners employee at Liphook Equine Hospital appeals for support after an earthquake in Colombia. VetPartners donated £1,000 to humanitarian relief.
- 19 August 2026, vettimes.com: [Investigation into foal gut disease highlights ideal vaccination period](https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/equine/investigation-into-foal-gut-disease-highlights-ideal-vaccination-period). Rossdales researchers identified peak exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis in UK foals between six and nine months and in autumn and winter. The findings may inform screening and vaccination strategies.
- 10 August 2026, vettimes.com: [Lanarkshire's Clyde Vet Group set for major expansion](https://www.vettimes.com/news/business/practice-developments/clyde-vet-group-set-for-major-expansion). VetPartners-owned Clyde Vet Group is expanding its Wishaw site with additional staff facilities, a second operating theatre, kennels and an upgraded x-ray unit. The investment is intended to increase appointments and services.

- [VetPartners deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=vetpartners&view=deep-dive)
- [VetPartners PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/vetpartners.pdf)

### Linnaeus

**CMA Remedies & Competition shaped Linnaeus' media profile during August 2026**

Linnaeus ranked 6th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (3.0%) in the UK Veterinary Groups benchmark for August 2026, with 2 mentions and a net tone of −50.

In August 2026, Linnaeus recorded 2 mentions, 3% of cohort coverage and rank #6, with net sentiment of -50. The article covers criticism of proposed CMA ownership-disclosure rules following its UK veterinary-market investigation. It reports concerns about corporate ownership, higher fees at large vet groups and the proposed prescription-fee cap. Which? reviews UK vet groups using a survey of 4,565 pet owners and discusses care quality, price transparency and group ownership. It reports that veterinary treatment prices rose faster than inflation and outlines forthcoming CMA-related reforms. CMA Remedies & Competition accounted for 1 mention. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- Linnaeus recorded 2 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- The article covers criticism of proposed CMA ownership-disclosure rules following its UK veterinary-market investigation. It reports concerns about corporate ownership, higher fees at large vet groups and the proposed prescription-fee cap.
- Which? reviews UK vet groups using a survey of 4,565 pet owners and discusses care quality, price transparency and group ownership. It reports that veterinary treatment prices rose faster than inflation and outlines forthcoming CMA-related reforms.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Fees & Transparency: 50.0% of Linnaeus's coverage (theme index 4.06, net tone 0)
- CMA Remedies & Competition: 50.0% of Linnaeus's coverage (theme index 6.5, net tone −100)

- [Linnaeus deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08?entity=linnaeus&view=deep-dive)
- [Linnaeus PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08/reports/linnaeus.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Veterinary Groups editions

- [UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-h1.md)
- [UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-07.md)
- [UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK veterinary groups media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-veterinary-groups-2026-08