Great Western Exotics, the UK's leading veterinary practice for exotic animals, is set to close after its owner deemed the business unviable. The practice, founded by renowned avian vet Dr Neil Forbes in 2004, was acquired by Vets Now, part of the conglomerate IVC Evidensia. Staff and clients were given six weeks' notice last month, causing turmoil among bird owners who fear a lack of suitable alternatives.
Clients like Mary Parsons, who travels three hours from Bedfordshire for her peacocks' care, expressed alarm. 'They do blood transfusions for birds, CT scans, ultrasounds – they are in a different league. I am worried that animals will die,' she said. The clinic's staff, who wished to remain anonymous, were devastated, with one stating, 'There is no other job like this.' Another added, 'Profit is being prioritised over animal welfare.'
The closure comes amid a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into the veterinary sector, which has seen large corporations buy up practices, limiting choice and driving up costs. IVC is one of five chains that have acquired over 1,800 UK practices in the past decade, with vet fees rising more than 60% in seven years.
A Vets Now spokesperson said demand for exotic specialist services is rare, and changes in the clinical team affected sustainability. They noted three alternative treatment centres within 60 minutes' drive, two operated by IVC Evidensia and one by CVS, and pledged to support continuity of care. However, clients remain concerned, with Virginia Trott of The Parrot Lodge stating, 'For parrots and other exotic species, time and distance can mean the difference between life and death.'
