How many veterinary practices are there in the US? (2026 data)
Veterinary medicine has drawn intense consolidation, and buyer competition keeps multiples among the highest in healthcare. DealSeam tracks roughly 105,000 registered veterinary provider records from CMS NPPES. As an NPPES-derived figure it counts providers rather than businesses, so the practice count is lower — but demand from corporate veterinary groups and PE is strong.
Practices that reach the top of the range have multiple associate veterinarians (so the business does not depend on the seller), recurring wellness-plan and pharmacy revenue, a desirable real-estate location, and modern diagnostic equipment. Practices that hinge on one owner-vet's personal client relationships trade lower.
DealSeam is not a traditional business broker; where there is a fit, it introduces clinic owners to qualified veterinary-group and private-equity buyers, with the buyer paying the success fee so sellers pay nothing.
Where they are: top states
| State | Providers |
|---|---|
| NY | 26,513 |
| CA | 10,624 |
| FL | 7,034 |
| TX | 5,228 |
| WA | 3,572 |
| NJ | 3,496 |
Typical valuation: about 5x-9x EBITDA (3x-6x SDE for smaller, owner-operated businesses). See the full valuation & buyer guide.
Methodology & sources
Count reflects veterinary provider records in DealSeam's companies database sourced from CMS NPPES as of June 2026. NPPES registers providers (individual and organizational NPIs), so this is a PROVIDER count, not a practice/business census (the business count is smaller). State is the provider's practice-location state.
This is general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Related questions
How many veterinary practices are in the US?
CMS NPPES lists about 105,000 registered veterinary providers; the number of distinct practices is smaller because providers are registered individually. The practice market is fragmented and heavily consolidated.
What is the veterinary practice valuation multiple?
Among the highest in healthcare — roughly 5x-9x EBITDA for established multi-doctor practices; smaller single-vet practices are usually valued on SDE at about 3x-6x.
Are private equity firms buying veterinary clinics?
Yes, very actively. Corporate veterinary groups and PE-backed platforms are among the most aggressive acquirers, drawn by recurring revenue and a fragmented market.
Thinking about selling?
DealSeam introduces owners to qualified, funded buyers off-market — confidentially, and at no cost to sellers. Start with a private conversation.