To say that pets have a special place in our hearts would be the understatement of the century. Back in 2018, Bruce and I got a puppy at a time when it made no sense. We were heartbroken by the loss of our previous golden retriever, Otis, I was traveling back-and-forth from Massachusetts to Washington for work, and Bruce had a full-time job.

But then, one day, Bruce just said, “We’re getting a dog. The heart wants what the heart wants.” And I’m so glad he knows about the things my heart wants. We named him Bailey, after George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life.

From family to family, from dogs and cats to hamsters and guinea pigs to birds and lizards and everything in between, pets add an extra shine to childhood memories. They soften the edges of a hard day. They teach us about love, care, and what we’re capable of.

Pet owners will drop everything for their furry (or feathery, or scaly, or hypoallergenic-ally hairless) friends.

But some people take advantage of the bonds we share with our pets to turn a profit.

I’m talking about corporate greed in private equity — and how it’s taking over more and more of the veterinary care industry.

Over the past decade, private equity firms have spent billions on buying up veterinary practices and then looting the profits while reducing quality of care, increasing prices for pet owners, and making working conditions even harder for veterinarians.

Veterinarians at private equity-owned practices have reported being overworked and pressured to upsell patients on expensive tests and procedures. At some practices, corporate managers require clinicians to meet demanding quotas for certain procedures, tying their income to the amount of revenue that they generate.

Private equity firms have also raised the cost of veterinary services, exploiting consumers’ love for their pets to make a profit. Since 2014, prices for veterinary services have risen by 60%, with prices well over $300 per visit.

I’m fighting back. Alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, I just sent a letter to JAB — a private equity firm that’s notorious for snapping up small veterinary practices — calling for answers on its veterinary practices and operations.

We’re also urging the FTC and Congress to take stronger action against consolidation in the veterinary care industry, including by passing my Stop Wall Street Looting Act.

I’m going to stay on this and fight from the heart for pet owners across America.

This issue hits close to home for so many families. Do you have a story about the way a pet has touched your life, or been a game-changer for someone you love? Have you been forced to grit your teeth at skyrocketing vet bills? Did you hear about a private equity clinic gobbling up your local veterinary clinic?

Our personal stories inspire us to stay in the fight — and sharing them can help elevate this important issue. Tell me yours here, and let me know if our team can share it as part of our push to end exploitative private equity practices around veterinary care.

Thanks for being a part of this,

Elizabeth