South Moor Vets joins XLVets after major expansion in South Devon

A Devon veterinary group that has doubled in size and opened a state-of-the-art practice has marked the end of a transformative period by reinforcing its independent status and becoming the latest member of XLVets.

South Moor Vets is now the 65th member of XLVets, a collaborative network of independently owned veterinary practices across the UK. As part of this community, South Moor Vets becomes an owner and shareholder in an organisation that shares best practices, expertise, and resources to uphold the highest standards of veterinary care.

South Moor Vets provides pet, farm, and equine veterinary services across four locations in South Devon - Kingsbridge, Modbury, Ivybridge, and its newest facility in Dartington. The Dartington practice, which opened just over a year ago following a seven-figure investment, is one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the region. The modern, purpose-built practice includes full surgical, laboratory, and hospitalisation facilities, ensuring that most veterinary services can be offered in-house.

The business can trace its history back 90 years to when its original founders visited farms on horseback. In 2005, it rebranded to South Moor Vets and has since grown into one of the leading independent veterinary groups in the region. Today, it employs a team of 105 professionals, many of whom are outdoor enthusiasts, boasting approximately 40 horse riders and more than 20 surfers, including five of the seven directors.

The group’s expansion has been significant. In 2017, South Moor Vets had a team of just 45 people before relocating its Ivybridge practice to a modern new facility equipped with full hospital capabilities and a CT scanner. The opening of the Dartington site was another major milestone, bringing an additional 15 veterinary professionals to the team and allowing the practice to offer specialist treatments while maintaining its own out-of-hours emergency services.

Director Will McMullan said: “Being the only independent veterinary practice in Dartington and Totnes, and one of the few in South Devon, has been a key factor in our growth. Clients appreciate a practice that is locally owned and run, and they choose us for our high levels of service and clinical excellence.”

South Moor Vets’ commitment to staff development has also contributed to its strong reputation. “We invest heavily in training so that our team can reach their full potential, which in turn ensures we provide the widest range of services possible,” McMullan added.

Becoming a member of XLVets is a strategic move that will help South Moor Vets maintain its independence while benefiting from shared knowledge, business support, and cost-saving initiatives.

“Running a complex business with over 100 employees requires more than just veterinary expertise. We need to excel in recruitment, marketing, HR, and finance, and XLVets allows us to share best practices with other leading independent practices,” McMullan explained.

Membership also provides financial advantages. “By pooling resources, we can secure better pricing on products and medicines, passing those savings directly to our clients,” he added.

XLVets CEO Andrew Curwen welcomed South Moor Vets to the network, praising the practice for its innovation and long-standing reputation.

“South Moor Vets has a superb heritage and has continually adapted to meet the needs of its clients. We are excited to support their growth while benefiting from their experience as part of our network,” he said.

As independent veterinary practices across the UK face increasing pressures from corporate buyouts, South Moor Vets’ commitment to remaining locally owned signals a firm stance on preserving community-focused veterinary care in Devon. Through its expansion and new partnership with XLVets, the practice is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead.