Proud To Be An Independent Locally Owned Veterinary Practice

The Hometown Veterinarian, founded and owned by Dr. Grant Jacobson and his family, is proud to be an independent, locally owned veterinary practice serving Marshalltown and surrounding communities.

Why Local Ownership Matters

While international corporations play a vital role in the economy, Dr. Jacobson believes local veterinary practices thrive best under independent ownership. This ensures compassionate, personalized care for your pets, free from the influence of corporate policies driven by profit.

Iowa Veterinary Practice Act: Protecting Quality Care

Iowa law mandates that veterinary hospitals must be owned by licensed veterinarians to ensure quality care and ethical decision-making. This law safeguards pet owners from the risks of non-veterinarian ownership, such as profit-driven policies that could compromise care. Unfortunately many large national and international corporations ignore Iowa law and practice in our state through unchallenged loopholes.

The Founding of The Hometown Veterinarian

In 2018, after a major corporation acquired his former workplace, Dr. Jacobson made the principled decision to leave. Determined to prioritize ethical and compassionate care, he founded The Hometown Veterinarian with a mission: to bring glory to God by serving the community’s pets and their families.

Supporting Independent Veterinary Practices

Dr. Jacobson is an advocate for locally owned practices. As a member of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA) and a current Board Member, he works to support independent veterinarians and strengthen the bonds between veterinarians, clients, and their communities.

When explaining the reason for forming a new association, the IVPA states:

"It is clear the veterinary profession is at a crossroads, as the business entities responsible for delivering care change.  Veterinary hospitals are increasingly owned by not-for-profits and national chains, changing the relationship between veterinarians, their clients, and their patients.  IVPA believes locally owned practices contribute to the fabric of their communities like no other business entity.  Veterinarians who own and work in independently owned veterinary practices are pillars of their community, contributing to the economic and cultural wellness of their communities.  IVPA was formed to promote the unique value that independent veterinary practitioners deliver and to fill their special needs for advocacy and support."

What to Ask When Choosing a Veterinarian

When selecting a veterinary clinic, always ask who owns the business. If the answer isn’t clear, dig deeper. Independent veterinary hospitals are proud to share their ownership story, while corporate-owned practices often avoid transparency.

Seek veterinary businesses that are veterinarian-owned.