Like human hospitals, veterinary clinics have diagnostic equipment that is expensive to purchase and maintain. Radiology is a huge investment, especially if state-of-the-art digital x-ray and ultrasound machines are utilized.

A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon, is a professional who practices veterinary medicine by treating disease, disorder, and injury in non-human animals.

Usually, an animal hospital is a place where diagnostics and surgical treatments tend to take place, whereas a veterinary clinic is a facility that focuses on providing prevention, cures for simple illnesses, and alleviation of diseases through vaccination and other preventative treatments.

Mars, while not a private equity firm, is the biggest consolidator of pet care companies in the United States, owning pet food companies, pet pharmacies and veterinary care clinic chains such as Banfield Pet Hospitals and BluePearl.