Building a Strong Veterinary Team: Recruitment Guide
A big part of opening a new veterinary hospital is creating a team and environment that fosters excellent patient care and client satisfaction.
Your team is the backbone of your practice and will be the key to building lasting relationships with pet owners.
Let’s examine key details that will help you recruit and retain top veterinary talent, implement strong training programs, and enhance client interactions, setting your new hospital up for long-term success!
Hiring the Right Team: Tips for Recruiting and Retaining Veterinary Staff
We know veterinary hospitals face increased challenges in hiring and retaining skilled team members.
With the industry experiencing staff shortages and high turnover, we must be thoughtful and creative regarding smart recruiting and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Let’s look at three tips to consider in your recruitment strategy:
1. Crafting a Compelling Job Listing
Your job post is potential employees' first impression of your hospital. Make it stand out by including:
Clear Job Title – Be specific about the role (for example: “Experienced Veterinary Technician – Fear-Free Certified Preferred”).
Your Hospital’s Mission and Culture – Highlight what makes your practice unique, whether focusing on work-life balance, mentorship opportunities, or a Fear-Free environment.
Competitive Benefits – Outline salary range, CE allowances, mentorship, flexible scheduling, and wellness perks.
Growth Opportunities – Show candidates how they can advance in their careers within your practice.
2. Finding and Attracting Top Talent
Leverage Veterinary-Specific Job Boards – Post on the AVMA Veterinary Career Center, AAHA’s job board, and VetMed Careers.
Utilize Social Media and Networking – Many professionals find jobs through LinkedIn, Facebook, veterinary groups, and word-of-mouth.
Offer Employee Referral Bonuses – Encourage your team to refer skilled candidates by offering incentives.
3. Retaining Staff and Reducing Turnover
Hiring the right people is only half the battle—keeping them is just as important.
Encourage Work-Life Balance – Consider options like rotating schedules, mental health days, and wellness initiatives that can prevent burnout.
Foster a Supportive Culture – Implement recognition programs, open communication, and leadership training to help staff feel valued.
Invest in Professional Development – Employees seek an employer supporting continuing education, certification programs, and career advancement opportunities.
A happy and engaged veterinary team leads to better patient care, a positive work culture, and higher client satisfaction.
The Power of Staff Training
A well-trained team is necessary for a smooth-running practice. From avoiding unnecessary mistakes to improving patient care and client interactions, ongoing education and structured training programs will go a long way toward your hospital's success.
Here are a few things you might consider in your staff training plans:
1. Certifications and Specialized Training
Encouraging staff to pursue certifications improves patient care and enhances their job satisfaction. Some valuable certifications include:
Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) – For techs desiring to specialize in emergency, dentistry, anesthesia, etc.
Fear-Free Certification – Helping all team members improve patient handling and reduce stress for pets (and the pet’s parents).
CPR and Emergency Response Training – Ensures preparedness for critical situations.
2. Continuing Education (CE) for Growth
Providing CE opportunities keeps your team up to date with industry advancements.
Offer CE Stipends – Support staff in attending veterinary conferences, online courses, or workshops.
Host In-House Training Sessions – Bring specialists for hands-on learning experiences and valuable Q&A.
Encourage Cross-Training – Teaching employees additional skills enhances flexibility and teamwork.
3. The Benefits of In-House Training Programs
A structured onboarding and training program improves efficiency and reduces errors. Consider the following:
Shadowing and Mentorship Programs – Pairing new hires with experienced staff eases the transition and helps with change management. Avoid using this method as a “punishment” and implement a program like this early on to help the team get acquainted.
Standardized Protocols and Checklists – Ensure consistency in anesthesia monitoring and client communication.
Monthly Lunch-and-Learns – Keep training ongoing with short, interactive sessions. This is an excellent method for continuing education and team building.
An investment in training elevates patient care and strengthens team morale and retention.
Mastering Client Communication: Enhancing the Customer Experience
Effective client communication is a cornerstone of a successful veterinary hospital. Pet owners must feel informed, respected, and comfortable entrusting their pets to your care.
Here are a few tips to consider establishing a foundation with your new team:
1. Clear and Compassionate Communication
Use Simple, Jargon-Free Language – Avoid overwhelming clients with technical and medical terms they may be unfamiliar with.
Confirm Understanding—Instead of asking, “Do you have any questions?” ask, “What questions do you have?” to avoid a simple “yes or no” answer and encourage open conversation.
Provide Visual Aids and Handouts—Diagrams, videos, and written instructions are very helpful for reinforcing key information.
2. Avoiding Client Shaming and Judgment
Assume the client's good intentions. Clients may not always make the best choices for their pets, but fostering a nonjudgmental environment helps build and maintain trust.
Avoid: “You should have brought your pet in sooner.”
Say Instead: “I’m glad you brought them in today. Here’s what we can do to help.”
Avoid: “You can’t afford this treatment?”
Say Instead: “Let’s explore some options that fit your budget.”
By replacing judgment with options, you build stronger relationships and improve compliance with treatment plans.
3. Enhancing Client Satisfaction to Boost Loyalty
Happy clients become lifelong customers and refer others to your hospital.
Be Proactive with Follow-Ups – A quick call or text after surgery or a new diagnosis shows you care.
Personalize the Experience – Use pet names, remember past visits, and celebrate milestones like birthdays.
Solicit Feedback and Improve – Offer surveys to identify areas for improvement and address concerns.
Mastering client communication leads to better compliance, fewer misunderstandings, and more referrals.
Launching a thriving veterinary hospital requires more than medical expertise—building a strong, well-trained team and creating positive client experiences.
By putting thoughtful effort into innovative hiring practices, ongoing staff training, and compassionate client communication, your practice will undoubtedly thrive in patient care and business success!
