It’s dystopian because they have a monopoly on pet care and prices are going through the roof. Private equity is basically taking advantage of pet owners because they know you will pay any price to save your animal.
Private equity owns 50% of vets and 75% of emergency clinics across America
But to TLDR, consolidation like what VCA has been doing generally means less autonomy for workers, higher prices for customers, and worse clinical outcomes.
“Mars has been making pet foods for over thirty years. Branching into pet care isn’t a huge stretch.”
I made a matching comparison to human food and human medical care. To my reading, it’s exactly the same, and I don’t understand your reply now. But I admit I’m curious to the distinction you’re seeing, if you’re willing to elaborate.
How many human doctors are involved in the making of Old El Paso taco shells?
Now, conversely, how many veterinarians are involved in the designing and creation of one-size-fits-all food that is one-food-for-all-meals? Mars was already employing tons of vets to ensure their food would be both safe and have all the ingredients in a digestible form.
While I’m sure General Mills does employ human doctors to check for safety, they aren’t trying to create a one-food-for-all-meals solution.
Ah, I see. I would argue it’s a bigger jump than how you’re presenting it, but your point makes a lot more sense to me now. Thanks for the elaboration!
I mean, I’m not trying to argue the dystopian part, though I do wonder why this specifically is what makes you think it is dystopian.
Mars has been making pet foods for over thirty years. Branching into pet care isn’t a huge stretch.
And like… I like both chocolate candies and pets. If I started a company that made both chocolates and cared for pets, why is that aspect dystopian?
It’s dystopian because they have a monopoly on pet care and prices are going through the roof. Private equity is basically taking advantage of pet owners because they know you will pay any price to save your animal.
Private equity owns 50% of vets and 75% of emergency clinics across America
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po6muzvQgEk
This is very correct. Zero options in many areas. Most people see animals as actual family.
20 Years ago, people would have laughed at you getting pet insurance. 30 years ago, they would ask why are you worried.
We are now seeing the samething in healthcare. Most places will lose their only independent hospitals with the defunding of medicare and medicaid.
Right, I agree that monopolies and consolidation are bad, I suppose that’s just not the emphasis I read in the OP.
Stephen Dubner did an excellent deep dive on the topic if you’re interested in a long-form intro: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/should-you-trust-private-equity-to-take-care-of-your-dog/
But to TLDR, consolidation like what VCA has been doing generally means less autonomy for workers, higher prices for customers, and worse clinical outcomes.
I don’t disagree that consolidation is bad for consumers.
General Mills has made food for a long time, but if they wanted to open a hospital and do surgery on me, I think that would indeed be a huge stretch.
That’s not quite the same as what I said but okay.
“Mars has been making pet foods for over thirty years. Branching into pet care isn’t a huge stretch.”
I made a matching comparison to human food and human medical care. To my reading, it’s exactly the same, and I don’t understand your reply now. But I admit I’m curious to the distinction you’re seeing, if you’re willing to elaborate.
How many human doctors are involved in the making of Old El Paso taco shells?
Now, conversely, how many veterinarians are involved in the designing and creation of one-size-fits-all food that is one-food-for-all-meals? Mars was already employing tons of vets to ensure their food would be both safe and have all the ingredients in a digestible form.
While I’m sure General Mills does employ human doctors to check for safety, they aren’t trying to create a one-food-for-all-meals solution.
Ah, I see. I would argue it’s a bigger jump than how you’re presenting it, but your point makes a lot more sense to me now. Thanks for the elaboration!
Chocolate kills dogs, for starters.
Well they’re not giving the chocolate to dogs.