I found a very well written document that impartially describes how Veterinary Medicine is being consolidated under corporate roofs.

And the article is at drjohnson.com and is followed by three additional references which describe the results of polls on the subject, a document on HOW corporatization occurs and summarizes the impacts, and more.

The briefest of summaries basically arrives at the idea that before1960 when Justice Tilzher voted 'yay' in the issue of corporations owning and controlling veterinary practices instead of the doctors – the author arrives at the conclusion that in these practices, veterinary judgment will be on an even fitting with profit motives. And that's AT BEST and did not consider the impact that the newer 'commission-based' pay structures have.

If you still have a chance to visit a private practice WITH A GOOD COMMUNITY REPUTATION –  I encourage you to do so. Having to use a franchise will happen soon enough – whether you prefer it or not. It's inevitable.