Hear from Vets for Pets Managing Director, Richard Dening-Smitherman

Last year was our biggest presence at London Vet Show and I loved the energy we created. There was a real sense of pride as we brought together our Practice Owners and colleagues, which we want to build on again this year.

For me, the most important thing is bringing our Practice Owner community together and celebrating our model. Our practices are locally owned and run by people who are passionate about what they do, but they also have the support and strength of the wider Vets for Pets network behind them.

This year is our 25th anniversary, so London Vet Show gives us a great opportunity to bring that to life. It’s a chance for Practice Owners to meet, share experiences and learn from each other, but also connect with people outside our business, meet them and hear first-hand what practice ownership with Vets for Pets is really like.

Q: Vets for Pets put substantial effort into creating a real experience at LVS. What is it about the two days in London that motivates this?

London Vet Show is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, so it is an occasion in the annual calendar when so much of the veterinary profession comes together in one place. We want to make the most of that.

Of course, it’s an opportunity to talk about Vets for Pets, but just as importantly, it’s a chance to listen and understand what people are thinking about, what matters to them and what they want from the next stage of their careers.

We’re really proud of our ownership model and LVS gives us the opportunity to show what it looks and feels like in practice to have the freedom to build successful local businesses, while having the support, expertise and scale of a much bigger network around you.

We want people to enjoy spending time with us, meet some brilliant people and hopefully leave knowing a bit more about Vets for Pets and the opportunities available here.

Q: What is your favourite memory of London Vet Show?

Last year it was seeing our community together and celebrating with them (and Billy the Busker) at our first 'Party in the Park'.

There was a real buzz around the stand, with Practice Owners and colleagues catching up, sharing their experiences and having conversations with people who were getting to know Vets for Pets for the first time.

I’m a big believer that the best people to tell the Vets for Pets story are the people who live it every day.

Q: What advice would you give vets coming to LVS for the first time this year?

Be curious and make the most of it.

Definitely plan the main sessions you really want to see, but also recognise that some of the best parts of London Vet Show are the conversations you weren’t expecting to have.

And obviously, come and see us. Whether you’re curious about practice ownership, thinking about what comes next in your career, or just want to find out a little more about Vets for Pets, come over and have a conversation. We’d love to meet you.