An independent veterinary group based in South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire is expected to grow in size after securing a £3.1m deal.

The Pet Vet has surgeries in Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Lincoln, and the funding will help the group increase its portfolio.

Dr Mel Fuller, managing director at the Pet Vet, said: ‘’The funding secured from ThinCats will enable us to deliver our ambitious plans to improve and expand the services we offer. Every surgery will benefit from the funding, further enhancing our workplace environment, customer experience and patient care, and aligning with one of our core values: We strive to be better every day.’’

The cash injection will help fund the next phase of growth as the management team look to double the size of the business.

Dr Rob Jones, owner and chairman of The Pet Vet, added: “We are delighted to secure this funding as we aim to continue on our strong growth trajectory over the next few years. Our success can be attributed to the hard work of our knowledgeable team and our passion for delivering excellent patient care. Thanks to ThinCats we can look to provide our services to even more families in the future.”

ThinCats describes itself as an alternative finance provider and its director of business development, Ben Kimball, said: “It is fantastic to support ambitious businesses like The Pet Vet, but it is even more rewarding given I have known the business for over eight years, and understand their importance to the local communities they operate in. We look forward to seeing The Pet Vet go from strength to strength.”