Independent veterinary group marks five years with 10 practices and ambitious expansion plans

Independent veterinary group, Harrison Family Vets is celebrating its fifth anniversary after opening 10 practices, creating 118 jobs and treating more than 63,000 pets.

Harrison Family Vets launched in Reading in summer 2021 and has since expanded into Kingswinford, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke, Sheffield and Newcastle. The group will open in Darlington later this year.

The milestone comes at a time when demand for independently owned veterinary practices continues to grow, with Harrison Family Vets investing heavily in both clinical facilities and team development.

In 2023, Reading became the first veterinary practice outside of North America to secure the coveted ‘Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification’ in recognition of its initiatives and facilities that help to reduce fear, anxiety and stress for every pet that visits, as well as their owners.

Several of Harrison Family Vets’ other locations have also now passed the rigorous assessment and inspection process to become a Fear Free Veterinary Practice. In addition, all team members are completing individual Fear Free Professional Accreditations.

All Harrison Family Vets’ practices are designed specifically around the ‘Fear Free’ approach to veterinary care. Features include calming ambient lighting, dedicated pet waiting pods, separate dog and cat wards and carefully planned consultation spaces created to provide a more relaxed and reassuring experience for both pets and their owners.

As each new practice opens, Harrison Family Vets continues to build on its Fear Free design, introducing new ideas to further reduce stress and create a positive experience. The latest practices feature pick-and-mix treat stands and toy boxes, allowing pets to choose their own reward and adding a warm, welcoming touch to every visit.

Tim Harrison is managing director at Harrison Family Vets. He said: “We’re all extremely proud of what we’ve created over the last five years. We launched Harrison Family Vets knowing there was room in the market for an independent group, with modern, state-of-the-art practices that provide outstanding, affordable veterinary care focused on the wellbeing of pets and their owners.

“Our people are central to this and we’ve worked hard to build our reputation as a great place to work. Alongside the three generations of my family who work in the business, we’ve recruited an exceptional group of highly skilled and dedicated professionals.

“Making sure everyone can use their individual strengths in a positive, exciting and supportive environment, with genuine career development opportunities, industry-leading salaries and a superb benefits package, is crucial.

“Ultimately, it’s this investment in our people that enables us to provide the high standard of care to pets and their owners, that we have quickly become renowned for.”

Looking ahead, Tim added: “We’re expanding into Darlington later this year and we plan to open in five more locations next year, which will create further opportunities for talented and ambitious clinic directors, vets, nurses and care coordinators to join our team.”