Linnaeus

Overview

Linnaeus was founded in 2014 and acquired by Mars, Incorporated in 2020. The group focuses on both first-opinion veterinary care and specialist referral services.

Mars Connection

Mars, Incorporated is best known for chocolate brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Mars bars, but pet care is actually a larger part of their business. Through Mars Petcare, they own:

• Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin - Pet food brands
• Banfield, VCA, BluePearl - Veterinary practices (North America)
• Linnaeus - Veterinary practices (UK/Ireland)

This vertical integration means Mars profits from pet food, pet health, and veterinary care - raising questions about conflicts of interest.

UK Presence

Linnaeus operates approximately 200 practices including:

• First-opinion (general practice) veterinary clinics
• Specialist referral centres
• 24-hour emergency hospitals

What Pet Owners Should Know

• Linnaeus practices are owned by a global corporation with interests across the pet industry
• The Mars ownership may not always be prominently displayed at individual practices
• As part of Mars Petcare, there may be connections to pet food recommendations