How To Make Your Veterinary Practice Part of the Community

By now, you may have a location in mind for where you want to open your own veterinary practice.

In addition to strategic reasons for choosing your location, it’s important to think about the community you’ll be a part of.

Maybe you already live in the area and know exactly what to expect in terms of clientele and local pet events.

Or, maybe you’re a new arrival and are eager to learn as much as possible about the community.

Either way, here are some things to consider that could help your practice thrive and become a household name among local pet owners…

Partner With Local Businesses

A good way to become part of the local pet network is to get out there and meet your “neighbors”—that is, other owners of pet-centric businesses in your neighborhood, town, or city.

This could mean…

• Pet groomers.

• Boutique pet gift and supply shops.

• Boarding facilities.

• Pet trainers.

• Rescue groups or shelters.

• Other veterinarians, especially with complimentary services like acupuncture, exotics, and specialty or emergency services.

Of course, you’ll resonate with some of these business owners’ pet care and business philosophies more than others. 

But you won’t know which ones are a good match until you make the effort to meet them.

When you find colleagues with whom you’d like to partner, think about setting up a mutual referral program. 

For example, if your clients ask about a groomer, you can tell them about the pet salon you recommend—and tell them to mention you referred them, for a discount (pre-arranged with the pet grooming salon’s owner, of course).

And vice versa, the groomer could refer new clients to you if they notice allergic dermatitis, ear infections, anal gland issues, or other concerns during grooming.

Set Up a Charity Effort

This may be a little bit of a challenge at the beginning when you’re trying to get your business up and running and cash flow is tight. 

But even small efforts or funds could be helpful to start. It’s all about goodwill and showing how much you care about pets. 

Plus, on tough days, it may make you smile to think about a good deed that’s not directly tied to the ups and downs in your appointment schedule.

One example of charity is a small donation to a local animal shelter or rescue group. 

You can fund this yourself. But also consider having a collection jar on the counter where clients check out. That way, clients who feel inclined to do so can help with your charity effort.

During social distancing and curbside service, this may look a little different, of course… 

Instead of a physical donation jar, you could include a checkout prompt that asks clients if they would like to donate—the same way many grocery stores have an option to leave $1 or more for charity when you pay with a credit card.

Teach Pet Owners About Local Pet Care Interests

While some pet health concerns are universal, such as obesity, others may have a higher or lower risk depending on climate and other location-based factors.

Different parts of the country face different pet health issues and concerns, including specific types of parasites and infectious diseases.

For example, if you live in a warm, humid climate that sees fleas year-round and has a high prevalence of heartworm disease, that’s something to talk to your clients about.

You could also include factors such as tick-borne diseases, heatstroke, certain fungal infections, foxtail plants, emergency-preparedness for hurricanes, and other weather-related and outdoor factors.

This is a good opportunity to use technology, too. Look for data from sites such as CAPC or the CDC. Some even have interactive maps and other visual tools you can show to clients.

In addition to talking to clients during an appointment, consider writing blog posts and sending out a newsletter with seasonal, local information, to keep your clients informed.

Social media is also a great place to share this sort of information.

Include fun local information, too! Your clients may enjoy hearing local news about pet events, charity drives from other pet organizations, and more.

Go To (Or Host) a Pet Event

“Pet events” could include many different things, such as…

• Meetup groups for dog walkers.

• Charity or fundraising events.

• Pets in costume Halloween parades and contests.

• Informative talks for pet parents on things like emergency preparedness or nutrition.

• Puppy or kitten socialization classes.

• Local sporting events where businesses can set up booths.

• Farmers’ markets.

• Pet adoption events.

• In the time of quarantine and social distancing, this may also include virtual events.

See what works best for you. Since your days will be busy, try to choose events that are fun for you—so you can have a great time and renew your energy while allowing pet owners to get to know the real you and how much you love animals.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

8 Things to Know about Being the Spouse of a Veterinarian

So, you married a veterinarian…

Veterinarians usually don’t work a 9-to-5 job, and the unique demands of their career may sometimes interfere with home life. Not to mention, your spouse may come home talking about weird things like abscesses and parasites.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to understanding and supporting your partner…

1. Veterinary Medicine Tends to Attract Empathetic, Caring Individuals

For a job that pays less than their human medicine counterparts, along with long hours and other demands of a vet’s day, it’s safe to say that veterinarians are definitely not in it for the money.

Instead, clinical practice veterinarians typically choose their career because they love animals and want to help them. These caring individuals have big hearts and give a lot of themselves in the process of caring for their patients.

Maybe these are some of your favorite qualities about your partner. 

2. But, All That Caring Can Take a Toll…

Because veterinarians care so much about their patients, it’s easy for them to experience an emotional roller coaster each workday, as some patients have happy visits while others may be severely ill or euthanized.

This can lead to compassion fatigue, where a person begins to feel burnt out and drained due to the emotional impact of their work. Compassion fatigue, along with many other factors unique to working in veterinary medicine, contributes to the fact that veterinarians have a higher suicide rate than many other professions.

While this can be scary, awareness goes a long way toward supporting your spouse. 

You can help them by lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on when they need it after a tough day, by helping them find a psychological professional to talk to, or by referring them to a helpful resource such as NOMV (Not One More Vet) or Vets4Vets.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255, or text “Home” to 741741) is also a life-saving resource.

3. Many of Veterinarians are Introverts

While there are also extroverted vets, being an introvert is a common trait when it comes to veterinarians. 

And yet, a veterinarian’s job involves a lot of interaction with people—both coworkers and lots of clients during a busy day.

For this reason, your partner might not always be up for social events after work. They may need time alone to rest and recharge.

If this sounds like your spouse, remember that they aren’t avoiding people to be difficult or limit your social life. Instead, they may just need to “refuel” before they’re ready to be social.

4. Vets Often Work Long or Irregular Hours

This can create logistical challenges for tasks such as picking up the kids from school. 

And a vet may be reluctant to make plans for right after work, in case they need to stay late.

If your job is more flexible, this problem may be hard to relate to. But open discussions can help both of you know what to expect and plan accordingly.

5. A Vet’s Job is Physically Demanding

Animal patients may be nervous, energetic, aggressive, or wiggly. They don’t hold still for their examinations the way human patients do.

Your partner probably spends a large portion of the day crawling on their hands and knees to palpate a dog on the floor, hunching over to get a better look at a skin mass, or even lifting and restraining a patient on the x-ray table if extra hands are needed for the task.

Plus, vets are on their feet all day.

So, don’t be surprised if your partner comes home and collapses onto the couch. Helping them with the little things (like laundry and cooking) can go a long way toward letting them recharge.

6. Veterinarians Are Used to Talking about Gross Stuff

Gross stuff—such as anal glands or draining pus from an abscess—are a normal part of the day for vets. As such, it’s something they’ve grown very comfortable seeing and talking about.

If your partner brings these things up at dinner and makes you gag while you’re eating, they’re not trying to be insensitive. 

They’re just so acclimated to these things that they might not realize how it affects others to hear about them. A polite reminder is all that’s needed if it bothers you.

7. Lots of People Ask Veterinarians Questions Outside of Work

In addition to being introverted, there’s one more big reason why vets might want to avoid social situations… 

That is, they often don’t get to enjoy themselves because people ask them all sorts of questions about their pets, or tell them sad stories (such as the time they had their pet euthanized), once they find out that person is a vet.

While veterinarians can be passionate about what they do, they still need a break sometimes. It’s not healthy for anyone to take their work home with them to this extent.

You can help your spouse by establishing boundaries with well-meaning friends and family members, being understanding if your partner doesn’t feel like going out, or at least rescuing them if you see someone’s got them cornered at a party.

8. Many Vets Graduate with Significant Student Loan Debt

Since finances are the most common cause of divorce, it’s important to confront all financial issues head-on—and student loans are a part of that.

Being open and honest with each other, exploring options for repayment, and talking to a qualified financial professional can all help make student loans more manageable and less stressful.

These steps will help you feel like a team as you tackle your financial future.

Supporting Each Other

While veterinary medicine carries its own unique stressors, it’s important for YOU to feel supported in your job and relationship, too.

Open and compassionate communication can help both of you establish what you need from each other and maintain a healthy, happy relationship. Talking to a counselor or other professional can also help with big issues or stressful times.

Having each other’s backs will ensure you work together toward your goals and have a lot of fun along the way.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Selling Your First Practice as a Veterinarian

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As a veterinarian, the decision to sell your practice can mean a mix of emotions and a very long to-do list, but it can also result in satisfaction and cash flow with which to start your next venture in life.

Starting your first veterinary practice is no easy feat. You put a lot of time and energy into it, whether you bought into an existing business or built it from the ground up. And you poured yourself into gaining clients and patients.

When it comes time to sell, it makes sense to put in due diligence to ensure you’re getting a fair price after all the work you put into growing the business. Here are a few things to consider…

The Decision to Sell

Maybe you’re ready to retire. Maybe you’re ready for a change in career path, such as going back to school for a specialty, starting a larger hospital, or trying a new career altogether.

Maybe your spouse got a job out of state, or you want to spend more time at home with your children. Or maybe you’d just like a break from all the responsibilities of owning a business.

Whatever the reason, you’ve decided that it’s time to sell your first practice. This isn’t necessarily an easy decision, especially since your first practice represents a lot of hard work and many special memories.

So, it’s only natural to take your time.

Mull it over.

Build lists of pros and cons and goals for the sale.

And discuss it with non-work friends and family that you trust.

Creating a Gameplan

Once you make the decision to sell, the next step is to create a plan.

The first decision is probably when to sell. Of course, this isn’t entirely within your control, as it will depend on when you find a buyer.

But to start, do you want to sell right now?

Or, are you planning ahead for five years from now—and investing to grow the practice’s value in the meantime?

Are you hoping to stay on at the practice a few more years, even if it’s just part-time? Or are you planning to exit after the sale?

If you had your preference, who would you sell to?

Maybe there’s an associate at your practice who’s interested in ownership and could work up to it over the next few years by buying in gradually. And maybe you have a strong preference for a private buyer versus a corporate buyer.

While there may be some need for flexibility depending on the offers received, it’s good to have goals in mind to help steer your decisions.

Also, how much money would you like to make in the sale? This is probably the hardest question. In addition to the need to carefully consider personal, ongoing financial requirements, many practice owners find it difficult to guess what their practice could actually sell for. 

That’s not surprising, considering that the calculations are very complex. The old way of thinking (i.e., one year’s gross income) is often not accurate.

Fortunately, there are many professionals who can help with these specialized aspects of the sale.

Gathering Your Team

As with any other professional venture that requires expertise, it’s good to consult specialists in each area of the sale. This could include…

• A practice/valuation consultant.

• A CPA.

• Attorneys (for business, real estate, etc.).

• A broker (if needed—in general, they are of the most value when finding a buyer is challenging).

• Any other experts that could be helpful.

These professionals can help with a myriad of issues—everything from minimizing taxes paid on the sale, to advising on provisions such as a non-compete clause for current employees (something that can affect the perceived value of the practice). 

Be sure to ask about their charges, but don’t be scared to pay a reasonable rate.

As tempting as it is to save money and try to do everything yourself, these experts can really save a lot of headaches and prevent costly mistakes.

Many vets prefer professionals who charge a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale, but this depends on your inclination and the specifics of your sale.

Taking Care of Your Staff and Clients

Many experts advise not talking to your staff about the sale until the paperwork is finalized. The worry is that, although a sale may take years, team members may grow worried and begin to look for another job.

However, when the time comes, it’s a good idea to spend time discussing what they can expect. Inform them of your confidence in the new owner, and answer questions if you can (although don’t guarantee anything such as job security unless you know for sure).

So far as your patients and clients, you have probably grown close to many of them.

A letter or email sent to current clients, informing them of the change and your confidence that they will love the new doctor/management, can do a lot to help them during the transition, as well as set up the new practice owner for success. Some clients may also wish to say goodbye before you leave.

What’s Next?

It can be normal to have a period of feeling lost or even grieving, after the sale of a practice.

After all, it’s a big change.

You’re probably excited for whatever comes next. Or, if you haven’t found your next venture yet, spend some time exploring your curiosities and interests.

Do things that light you up, and eventually, you’ll figure out what’s next for you.

While selling a practice is no easy feat—just like starting a practice wasn’t easy—it can also be a rewarding experience.

Hopefully, the sale will help fund whatever is next for you in life, whether that’s a new professional venture or a more relaxed pace in life.

Either way, you can always look back with satisfaction on what you created, and all the pets you helped along the way.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Stress Management and Resources for Veterinary Professionals

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To be the best caregivers to dogs, cats, and other patients—it’s important for the caregiver (i.e. veterinary professional) to be cared for, too!

Many veterinarians have dreamed of a career working with animals since they were young children. And veterinary professionals may feel joy or fulfillment from their careers.

However, a busy veterinary job can put a number of different stressors on veterinarians and their team members. Over time, these stressors can decrease job satisfaction, and even lead to feelings of isolation, depression, or suicidal thoughts. 

For all these reasons, wellness and work-life balance are very important for veterinarians and veterinary team members. Even though bad days happen, having the right tools to handle stress and challenges can really help. 

Check our last article for tips on finding activities that bring you joy (and finding time to do them) and setting boundaries. And, try these tips and resources…

Stress Management for Work and Beyond

There are many strategies and schools of thought on how to best deal with stress in work and life. So, this list is by no means comprehensive and does not represent every technique or philosophy available.

We mention this because it’s important to find what works best for you personally, rather than trying to force a strategy or philosophy that doesn’t resonate with you.

However, this list does incorporate some “tried and true” methods that can work for many different people and that are fairly simple to begin with.

So, these tips may be a great place to “dive in” if you’re looking for something new…

• Find healthy ways to process challenging emotions or stress, rather than pushing them down. A few examples include journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, exercising to upbeat music, or even simple breathing techniques.

• Explore a spiritual practice that works for you. Many people find that turning to a higher power can help put day-to-day worries into a new and less significant perspective.

• Try meditation. While once considered “woo-woo,” the prevalence of meditation—including scientific studies that indicate its mental and physical benefits—is hard to deny. That being said, meditation can take many different forms. It can mean sitting in silence, listening to guided relaxation, or even a walking meditation—to name a few. Try a few methods to see what you enjoy most. Practice by starting with just a few minutes at a time, then work your way up slowly.

• Keep a running list of positive work experiences and memories. As humans, we have a natural tendency to remember negative experiences more than we remember positive ones. Looking at a list of things that make you smile could help put things into perspective if you’re having a bad day.

• Delegate at home—not just at work! Veterinary professionals are smart and capable. And they’re used to multitasking. As such, it’s easy to take that drive to “go-go-go” home after the workday ends. However, it’s important to find time to rest and recharge. That’s where time-saving delegation can help.

• If it’s reasonable for your budget, consider things like hiring someone to clean your home or pick up/look after your kids after school, using a meal delivery service rather than cooking from scratch, sending out your laundry, etc. Or, talk to a partner or roommate about dividing chores.

Resources and a Support System are Beneficial

While learning to process stress and emotions is important, there’s no reason anyone needs to feel alone in the process. Feelings of isolation are common in the veterinary profession, perhaps because friends with different careers can’t relate to what a veterinary job is really like, or because of the long working hours. Whatever the reason, there are many resources and caring people available to help, including but not limited to…

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. 

• Vets4Vets, a caring, confidential, and free of charge group for vets that meets online for supportive discussions: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

• Not One More Vet, a caring and helpful organization for veterinary professionals that offers resources, connection, and support: https://www.nomv.org/

• Online therapy available to everyone regardless of insurance:

  • Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/

  • BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ 

Also, look for apps (many of which are free) for meditation, and check out books, life coaches, financial advisers, and any other resources that resonate with your current needs and goals.

Staying at Your Best Physically Can Help with Stress Management

Physical health and wellbeing can help us stay at our strongest and most capable when it comes to dealing with life’s challenges.

After all, think about how you feel dealing with a difficult client when you’re well rested versus sleep-deprived. And consider how a long workday may feel worse if our legs and back are sore afterward, too.

For all these reasons, it’s good to do as much as we can to stay physically ready for work. Some strategies include…

• Sleeping enough each night.

• Regular exercise or physical activity.

• Stretching with exercise or after a work shift.

• Eating nutritious meals to “fuel” us through the day.

It’s not typically necessary to be a perfectionist about these things. We don’t need to be elite athletes or give up chocolate cake forever to start reaping the benefits to our energy and mental stamina. Instead, as with all new habits, it’s often best to start with small, achievable goals. Small changes to our habits can result in very real benefits. 

We hope these tips and suggestions have sparked some ideas. Remember to consult a medical or another professional to receive the best advice for you as an individual. Also remember, you’re never alone. Please reach out to someone who can help (such as one of the resources listed above) at any time.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Well-being & Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Professionals

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Despite the wonderful aspects a career in veterinary medicine offers, there’s no denying that the field presents its own unique challenges.

This may include long work hours, demanding appointment schedules, emotional ups and downs, and difficult clients—to name a few. 

All of these factors and more contribute to burnout and stress amongst veterinary professionals. These factors are part of the reason why the suicide rate is higher in veterinarians and vet techs/nurses than in the general population.

So even though veterinary medicine can be an amazing career—one where many professionals find joy and meaning by helping animals—work-life balance is very important for veterinary professionals. 

Here are a few ways to start finding that balance…

For Better Work-Life Balance, Think About What Matters Most to You

There are many different aspects of life from which we can derive joy, purpose, and a sense of connection. The specifics will look different for everyone, depending on their individual needs and interests.

But some examples include:

• career

• friends

• family

• dating or marriage

• spirituality

• hobbies

• curiosity/learning new things

• staying active

• time for resting

• volunteering

• and more. 

Imbalance can easily arise when a person puts too much focus on just one of these aspects of life.

For example, if a person’s life is dominated by work, it’s easy to feel disproportionately upset when the workday is stressful or difficult.

On the other hand, if a person has nurtured several of these areas of their life, a bad workday might not hit so hard. There’s a stronger foundation of other meaningful things in life on which to stand.

So, which things matter most to you? Which parts of your life would you like to nurture more?

Trying to do too many things at once can lead to burnout and giving up. So it’s important to start making positive changes by focusing first on the things that bring you the most joy, energy, and sense of connection.

To Change Your Life, Start With Small, Achievable Goals

After choosing which areas of your life you’d like to nurture more right now, think about practical ways to start making positive changes. 

Trying to do too much at once, or setting huge goals that are unrealistic, can cause procrastination, a sense of discouragement and frustration, and giving up altogether. On the other hand, small changes can add up to surprisingly big results over time. 

Try these techniques…

• Follow your interests and curiosity. For the time being, forget about what you “should” be doing. Of course, do necessary things, like paying bills. But for your mental wellbeing, focus on what makes you smile and gives you more energy—such as a new hobby that seems impractical but fun.

• Set realistic, small goals. For example, read 10 pages per day rather than trying to finish a book on a weekend, start meditating for 5 minutes rather than 30 minutes, or walk for 15 minutes rather than doing a long hike right away if you’d like to spend more time outdoors.

• Nurture connections while honoring your boundaries. No one can be all things to all people. So if a friend or family member takes up too much time with negative phone calls or unreasonable obligations, think about ways to give them time without giving too much energy if you’re already tired from work. It’s okay to sometimes say no to events or phone calls and still have a healthy relationship or friendship.

• Create more time for your priorities by keeping a “time journal” to see where your time truly goes each day. Figure out where you could make changes to do more of the things you love. 

• Combine mundane tasks with something more meaningful or fun. For example, listen to a podcast while cleaning or driving, or meet up with a friend for socialization while exercising.

• Set boundaries at work, too. Of course, this will depend on the specific workplace environment. And sometimes, a change of employment is necessary to have a healthier workplace. But often, discussions with bosses and colleagues allow new ideas to be integrated. 

For example, “buffers” in the schedule (for walk-ins, emergencies, catch up, and even taking a short break) can help employees perform at their best and avoid mistakes. Pre-arranging patient care with colleagues can help avoid unnecessary phone calls on a person’s day off. And considerations for the well-being of all employees can contribute to a positive workplace with less staff turnover. 

These and other strategies and be mutually beneficial for employers and employees alike.

Finding the best work-life balance can take time. And a person’s needs may evolve throughout the course of their career and life—so it’s important to reassess and make “course corrections” as our needs and interests change.

Set aside time each month to assess how things are going and where you’d like to make changes.

The time spent on personal care and work-life balance isn’t time wasted—and wellbeing is a necessity, not a luxury.

Life goes by quickly, so it’s important to think about the things that make life happy and meaningful. In addition to helping us live our best life, “filling our own cup” also allows us to be better caregivers for our patients and spark new enjoyment in our careers.

For veterinary professionals who are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are many people and resources who would like to help. Here are a few:

• Vets4Vets: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

• Not One More Vet: https://www.nomv.org/

• Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/

• BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ 

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

In-House Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI) Tests.

Pancreatitis is a disease that’s common in both dogs and cats. But despite its prevalence and its potential seriousness, unfortunately, the condition is often not straightforward to diagnose.

There’s no one, single test that can definitely confirm pancreatitis. Instead, it requires looking at the whole picture of clinical symptoms, signalment, history, and different diagnostic tests.

So, where do in-house pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) tests fit into this picture? And how useful are they? Here are some things to know…

Which Diagnostic Tests Can Be Used to Help Diagnose Pancreatitis?

Signalment, history, and the physical exam may lead a veterinarian to suspect pancreatitis. And in many cases, supportive care and treatment may be initiated based on this information alone, especially if a pet owner can’t afford diagnostics or if a patient is very ill but results of the tests can’t be obtained right away.

Assuming a client pursues diagnostic testing, the following modalities are commonly used…

• Bloodwork and urinalysis. A CBC, chem panel, any other relevant blood panels, and a urine analysis can provide valuable information. But unfortunately, general bloodwork panels (even ones that include serum amylase and lipase) have limited utility for diagnosing pancreatitis. 

However, these tests can be crucial for ruling out other conditions that may be causing a patient’s symptoms, evaluating overall health, and determining hydration status and electrolyte balance that must be addressed during treatment.

• Radiographs. Like bloodwork/urinalysis, radiographs help rule out other conditions—especially surgical conditions like a GI foreign body obstruction. However, although some radiographic changes can be seen with severe pancreatitis, many times x-rays won’t show appreciable changes specific to the pancreas.

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound is more sensitive than x-rays in terms of detecting changes (like inflammation) associated with pancreatitis. However, it’s user-dependent, and even this modality can’t detect pancreatitis 100% of the time.

• PLI tests. This is one of the most valuable options for testing specifically for pancreatitis, but limitations of the tests must be recognized. See the next section for more details.

• Biopsy. A pancreatic biopsy may be the most accurate way to diagnose the condition. However, this option is often not practical (and may even be harmful) for acutely ill patients.

Which PLI Tests Are Available to Veterinarians?

Serum amylase and lipase are often included on blood chemistry profiles, especially in patients who are exhibiting GI signs. However, many experts agree that these values are not good indicators of pancreatitis unless SIGNIFICANTLY elevated (3-4 times the normal range). That’s because these markers can be elevated with non-pancreatic disease and may be normal in dogs and cats with pancreatitis.

Trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) is also not considered diagnostic for pancreatitis, as it can increase with azotemia, and it doesn’t remain elevated consistently and thus may be normal even in a patient with pancreatitis.

Another test, the PLI test, was designed to be specific for serum concentration of lipase of pancreatic origin. Both canine (cPLI) and feline (fPLI) versions of the test are available. 

The PLI test was originally developed at Texas A&M University. Idexx later developed a similar test (SpecPL). These two tests are performed at the respective laboratories, so samples must be sent out.

Idexx also developed a point of care version of the test: the SNAP cPL (canine) and SNAP fPL (feline). And Zoetis offers the VETSCAN cPL rapid test. These tests are available for in-house testing in veterinary practices.

How Well Do PLI Tests Work?

The sensitivity and specificity of any diagnostic test depend on many things, including cut-offs for an abnormal reading, which population of pets are being tested (healthy versus ill), and other factors.

In a nutshell, the cage-side (SNAP cPL and fPL) are considered a sensitive test, which means they’re less likely to have false negatives, but more likely to have false positives. In other words, they’re a good tool for screening symptomatic patients. A negative test means it’s less likely (though not impossible) that a patient has pancreatitis. A positive result helps support a diagnosis but MUST be followed up with additional testing.

The laboratory tests for PLI (the original test at Texas A&M and the SpecPL) have a higher specificity than the in-house tests. Therefore, many veterinarians use these as confirmatory tests after obtaining a positive SNAP test. Even these tests are not 100% diagnostic, and thus results must be interpreted in light of the whole clinical picture. But they are an important piece of the clinical puzzle when it comes to pancreatitis.

Caveats for Testing

Many experts don’t recommend testing for markers of pancreatitis (serum amylase and lipase, or PLI) as a screening test in healthy patients. Statistically speaking, false positives are more likely when doing widespread testing on a healthy population. Instead, testing is most accurate and valuable for symptomatic patients.

Of note, all of these tests may be most accurate for acute, severe pancreatitis. Milder forms of the disease, as well as chronic pancreatitis (especially in cats), may be less likely to show an abnormal result.

Laboratory testing offers the added benefit of a quantitative (number) value. This may be valuable not only for diagnosis, but for monitoring of the condition.

Of note, while PLI (both lab and in-house) tests are more specific to the pancreas than serum amylase and lipase, PLI can be elevated from non-pancreatic conditions.

Details and specifics of these tests may evolve over time. It’s important to check directly with the company for the most up-to-date information before making a purchase.

With all these things in mind, PLI tests can be a valuable addition for many veterinary practices. But they must be used appropriately and interpreted in conjunction with the entire clinical picture.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only, and not intended as a guide to the medical treatment of any specific animal. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

How a Nomad Pro 2 Dental X-Ray Generator Can Benefit Your Practice

Dental radiographs are an important part of your patients’ dental care. These images allow you to diagnose dental or periodontal pathology, form the best treatment plan, and confirm the successful removal of any extracted teeth.

When it comes to dental x-rays, you have a lot of options in terms of finding a unit that suits your needs and your practice style.

If you’re looking for flexible use and high quality—especially if you’re a mobile practitioner, a practice where space is at a premium, or just like the convenience of a handheld unit—a Nomad Pro 2 dental x-ray generator from Aribex may be right for you.

How Can a Nomad Pro 2 Dental X-ray Generator Help Your Practice?

Every practice has different needs. For example, maybe your practice space or setup dictates the type of equipment that’s best for you. Or maybe the right payment plan, equipment capabilities, or required training for use may help you make your decision.

The following benefits of the Nomad Pro 2 Veterinary dental x-ray generator can meet the needs of many different practice styles and setups…

• Simple and convenient operation. The generator is light to hold and easy to operate. Rather than being attached to a cart, a wall, or any other fixed structure, the generator is handheld, weighing merely 5 ½ pounds (2.5kg). 

An ergonomic grip and an intuitive, simple display for the settings also allow for ease of use.

• Easy setup. There’s no installation or re-wiring required—and no need to renovate your clinic to set up for dental radiographs. With a small, portable unit, you can make any table or space into an effective x-ray station.

• Move the unit, not the patient. You can capture images from any angle, even difficult or oblique angles, without excessive repositioning of the patient. 

• Flexibility for your practice. Capture images anywhere! The cordless, battery-operated unit is suitable for dental, small animal, exotic, and equine use, and for use with film, phosphor plates, and digital sensors.

• Location independence. Choose the best spot in your clinic for dental radiographs, without being limited by tight spaces. Handheld units are also ideal for mobile practitioner needs, and the generator may be used outdoors.

• Safety for staff and patients. The unit operates with low radiation exposure. 

Compare the annual, whole-body radiation exposure between the Nomad Pro 2 dental x-ray generator and other common exposure scenarios:



Internal shielding (which prevents leakage from the x-ray source) and external shielding (to block backscatter radiation) also contribute to safety, protecting your team from unnecessary radiation exposure.

This also means your team member can stay with the patient while taking x-rays.

• Consistently sharp, clear images. Specifications include a 0.4mm focal spot, 60kV DC x-ray generation, and an mA of 2.5. The generator allows your team to quickly capture high-quality images.

• Affordability. The easy setup, without major installation, makes it easy to get started. And simple monthly payments mean the generator can pay for itself each month—so you can start making a profit and return on investment right away.

Tips for Getting Started

• Use the best financing option for your practice. Low monthly payments mean you can make a profit right away just by using your new generator a couple of times per month. 

And if you need an intraoral sensor and software to go with your generator, ask us about an affordable bundle that includes all three.

• Protect your investment. Ask about a warranty for your machine. 

• Invest time informal training. You probably know that new equipment is best utilized if your team feels comfortable using it. By training your team to take all the dental views you need, they’ll be able to comfortably and effectively capture images in a matter of minutes.

• Work the cost of dental x-rays into your estimates. Client education can help your clients understand why dental x-rays are so important with any dental procedure. And by including the cost together with your dental procedures (rather than as an “add-on” service), it helps convey that dental radiographs are a necessary part of your patient care plan.

Envision what it would be like to have a quick and easy dental x-ray system in your practice, to help improve patient care and improve your bottom line.

Any questions about how a Nomad Pro 2 dental x-ray generator from Aribex can fit into your practice space, workflow, or budget? Just give us a call or contact us here!

Mental Health and Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Practice Owners

Veterinary medicine can mean a busy schedule and emotional ups and downs. 

Unfortunately, recent data suggest that this, along with other factors of daily practice, can take a toll mentally and emotionally.

Plus, as a practice owner, there’s the additional pressure of running a business.

You got into this profession because you love pets and want to help them—and that can make for a very rewarding career.

The trick is finding ways to care for yourself. 

This may look a little different for everyone, but here are some popular suggestions that have helped many veterinarians find more energy, wellbeing, and balance…

Set Boundaries

When you love animals, it’s natural to want to help every pet who needs care. But failing to set boundaries can lead to burnout.

In addition to the turmoil it causes in a person’s life, burnout can also interfere with the ability to help pets over the long-term.

Setting boundaries can mean a number of different things, depending on your personal preferences and what your work rules allow. Here are a few suggestions…

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• Put breaks into your schedule

Giving yourself 5-20 minutes to recharge in the morning and afternoon (in addition to your lunch break) can be immensely helpful during a busy day.

• Have clear cut rules for scheduling

For example, is double booking allowed? Can you go to lunch rather than seeing the patient that walks in at lunchtime (assuming it’s not a life-threatening emergency)? 

To accommodate these and other scheduling surprises, it helps to leave a few appointment slots open each day—that way, you have enough time for all patients rather than running yourself to exhaustion trying to fit everyone in.

• Set boundaries with clients

For example, if you give your phone number out to pet owners, be sure they know when and under what circumstances they can call you. 

Or if a client is acting really outrageous and causing stress for all employees, it may be in your team’s best interest to “fire” that client to protect everyone’s time, energy, and morale.

• Say “no” sometimes

This might mean coordinating with another doctor at your practice to take over care of your patients on your day off, so that your team isn’t calling you at home unless absolutely necessary. 

You deserve to enjoy some days off!

Focus On the Positive

Despite your intelligence, knowledge, and passion, some things are out of your control. 

Even with your best efforts, sometimes pets don’t get better—due to the nature of their medical condition, or due to owners not agreeing to the type of care you’d like to provide.

This happens to everyone. And while it’s hard to accept, it may help to focus on all the good memories—all the times you’ve helped pets, all the thank you cards from clients, etc.

Sometimes negative thoughts—whether it’s a client who said something rude or the loss of a patient you care about—dominate our minds. It’s human nature.

But usually, the good days outweigh the bad. It’s just a matter of training our brains to refocus on the positive.

Figure Out What Brings You the Most Fulfillment

Find ways to make your daily work life as enjoyable as possible.

This could mean cultivating relationships with clients. 

It could also mean community involvement, such as charity efforts, puppy/kitten classes, or informational talks on pet nutrition or other topics.

Fulfillment may also mean specializing, or being the “go-to” doctor in your practice for specific procedures or medical conditions that you enjoy working with.

Cultivate Joy 

In addition to professional fulfillment, it’s important to cultivate joy in your personal life.

This means some type of human connection—whether that’s a partner, friends, or family. 

If you’re working long hours, it’s easy to feel isolated. By doing your best to schedule time with people you care about—even just a quick phone call—you may find that your mood lifts.

Additionally, physical activities, hobbies, learning new things, and other pursuits outside of work can remind you that “there’s more to life.” 

This makes it easier to reframe a bad day as something that, while hurtful, is probably small in the scheme of things.

Schedule Time to Slow Down

If you need to sleep or binge-watch a show after a tiring week, go for it! 

Or find time to read a book, take a bath, or meditate.

In addition to activities that bring you joy, scheduling “slow time” may help you feel centered, recharged, and in control of your schedule.

Seek Out Support

It’s helpful to find caring people who can listen.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, this may include…

• Friends and family.

• Colleagues you trust.

• Veterinary support groups such as… 

  • Vets4Vets®

A confidential support group for veterinarians associated with the VIN Foundation, which includes everything from weekly group discussions to one-on-one support.

• Not One More Vet 

An online support network of over 20,000 veterinarians with additional resources, including support in finding temporary relief workers for vets who need a few days off.

• A therapist or counselor. Nowadays, there are convenient and reasonably priced online services such as Talkspace and BetterHelp. 

Sometimes, just venting to someone in a safe, confidential setting can really lift the weight off of a person’s shoulders.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

The Truth About Balance…

The thing about balance is, it’s dynamic, not static. 

That means that as you go through different stages of life, your schedule, priorities, and tricks for recharging yourself may change. The key is to be aware and to adjust as needed.

The better you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for pets—and the more joy you’ll get out of your daily work and personal life.

Resources:

• Vets4Vets: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

• Not One More Vet: https://www.nomv.org/

• Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/

• BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ 

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Client Communication and Customer Service Training

Veterinarians and veterinary team members sometimes say they got into veterinary medicine because they like animals more than they like people.

But the truth is, no matter how much you and your awesome team love animals, a large part of your job will consist of dealing with the human beings attached to those animals.

Why Invest Time in Communications and Customer Experience Training?

You’ll probably have some clients you love, others you feel neutral about, and others that you find difficult to work with.

Sometimes, the art of “communications” is presented primarily as a way to become skilled at conflict resolution, for those times you’re dealing with people who are rude or argumentative. 

But the truth is, communications can help ALL of your clients (everyone from difficult to A-list) better understand your services and the value you provide.

It can help them feel comfortable coming to you with their questions and concerns and have a better perception of you and your veterinary practice.

All of this can potentially lead to more income, as well as more flattering online reviews and word of mouth referrals.

Communications and customer experience are fields where there’s always more to learn, and these skills can continue to improve with practice over time.

But, here are a few good places to start…

Communicating for Clarity

One of the most important things to do is ensure your clients understand the information you’re telling them about their pet—and, that they’ll retain that information.

Here are some ways to do that…

• Clearly state what is happening. 

For example, we’ve probably all heard stories about clients who thought a neuter was the same thing as a vasectomy—until they got home and realized their pet’s testicles had been removed! 

Clear communication at the beginning (and not just assuming a client already knows what the word “neuter” means), could prevent such misunderstandings.

• Offer ways for a client to easily recall the information or learn more. 

For example, give the client a handout with more detailed information to refer to, or allow them to videotape your talk.

This can also help when they go home and relay the information to their spouse—so you won’t get a request to repeat your entire speech for their spouse!

• Use distraction-free communication. 

Make your exam rooms cell phone-free zones. 

Have something available to occupy rambunctious kids (for example, a movie or toys).

And wait to bring the pet back into the room until you and the client are done talking.

Prioritize Time With the People Who Truly Value Their Time With You

It may be tempting to spend extra time in the room and debate with the client who wants to listen to their breeder or Dr. Google instead of you…

And sometimes that’s worth it. But, if you’re pretty sure that person is never going to change their mind, your time may be better spent with a client who WANTS to hear what you have to say.

So instead, spend that extra time with the sweet client who is a little chatty but always seems to say thank you and really appreciate (and follow) your advice.

Keeping All Your Communications Consistent

If you and your technician both give a client the same advice about heartworm prevention—but then your receptionist tells the client, “Nah, I don’t use it for my own dog…”—what would be the end result?

Probably confusion and doubt in the client’s mind. And maybe suspicion that you are selling products that aren’t really necessary for their pet.

This could happen with a variety of products and services, including parasite preventions, good quality pet foods, dental procedures, and more.

It’s important to be sure your whole team is on the same page, sending a consistent message to your clients.

The Little Things You Can Do to Improve Client Perception and Experience

Often, small little things you do to brighten a client’s day can make a BIG, positive impression—and bond that client to your practice for the long-term.

A few examples include…

• Helping elderly clients by going out to their car when you see them arrive, and offering to carry their pet’s carrier for them.

• Sending a card after a pet is euthanized, or during the holiday season.

• Allowing clients to go out the back door after euthanasia, for privacy when they’re crying.

• Telling clients how you change to a fresh needle after drawing up a vaccine, so the injection is more comfortable for their pet (remember, if you don’t tell them, they won’t know!).

Avoiding Client Shaming

While still somewhat controversial, this topic is drawing more attention in the veterinary community…

Client shaming means unintentionally (or, sometimes intentionally) making a client feel guilty when they’re behind on care for their pet or did something they shouldn’t have done (like giving a human medication that’s toxic for pets)—especially if it’s led to their pet becoming ill.

The thing is, most clients already feel very bad about it without veterinary team members making them feel worse. 

If you can make your practice a safe space for clients to come without judgment, you may find that some of those very same clients appreciate it so much that they’ll be bonded to your clinic long-term. 

They may even start to bring their pet to you more frequently for routine care and preventive diagnostics!

Of course, it won’t go that way every time. And clients do need to be informed when they’ve made mistakes, so they can avoid repeating those mistakes.

So, use your judgment to figure out the best way to communicate in each unique client situation. 

Who Can Benefit From Learning More About Communication and Customer Service?

In short—everyone! The whole team, from the medical director to kennel assistant, could benefit. 

Even if someone is naturally a good communicator, there’s no harm in that person learning more and adding additional communication tools to their toolbelt.

To get started, you can look for formal communication and customer experience training. You can also do in-house training, with role-playing.

Progress checks from time to time may help, too, so everyone can continue to learn and grow.

The time you invest can be well worth it. It can make everyone’s daily interactions (for team members and clients alike) as smooth and pleasant as possible. 

And, nurturing happy clients can certainly help to improve your bottom line.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

The Value of Staff Specialization and Training

A well-trained team can make your life easier and improve your practice’s bottom line. 

Instead of trying to do everything yourself, you can delegate to someone your trust—so you can do more. 

Delegating is all about balance. There’s always a tug-of-war between giving someone enough responsibility that they feel valued, trusted, and professionally stimulated, while also not overburdening that person with more than they can reasonably handle.

It helps to communicate with your team, keeping in mind that their needs may change over time. It’s also important to make sure your highly qualified team members are fairly compensated, so they won’t need to seek out a better-paying position after they’re trained.

However, done well, there is definitely value in investing in your wonderful team members. 

Here are just a few ways to do that…

Formal Training and Certifications

The NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) offers several official certifications through their Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties. Some of the specialties include…

• Emergency and Critical Care Technicians.

• Dental Technicians.

• Internal Medicine Technicians.

• Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia.

• Zoological Medicine Technicians.

What does certification mean, exactly?

To take an example, there could be a lot of value in hiring a dental RVT. This is a tech or nurse who specialized in the field of veterinary dentistry.

According to the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT), their members have immense knowledge of pet dental diseases and can help to educate clients on the importance of oral health, as well as on procedures the doctor may need to perform during a dental. 

This knowledge comes from a minimum of 3,000 hours of veterinary dentistry training, training under a mentor from the AVDT program, and a 2-phase (written and practical skills) exam. 

So, having a dental RVT could save you a lot of time in client communication, while also instilling trust in clients that the whole team is knowledgeable and cares about their pet.

You also know a dental RVT is a person you can trust to help you perform dental procedures efficiently.

So far as this program and other formal training programs go, you could look to hire someone who already has this certification.

Or, if possible for your practice, it may be worth it to help invest in the process for a team member whom you know will be staying with you long-term.

Continuing Education Events

In addition to CE for veterinarians and veterinary students, large conferences such as VMX also offer a wealth of choices for technicians/nurses, practice managers, and other support staff.

Topics covered often include…

• Various skills for vet techs, ranging from daily procedures to emergency and critical care.

• Hiring and employee evaluation best practices for managers.

• Social media and marketing tips.

• Communication skills.

• And more…

Supporting your team members in learning these new skills could help to add more technical capabilities to your practice, ease team communications, and make your practice’s daily operations smoother.

If sending team members to a big conference isn’t an option yet (which may very well be the case until your new practice gets established), look for local events. 

Sometimes, emergency vet hospitals or local veterinary specialists offer CE events for community veterinary practices in topics such as pet CPR.

In-House Training

Having an in-house training program for your new hires is a very common method of bringing new team members up to speed. Done well, it can be very efficient and help new employees bond to their team members.

However, it’s important to go about it the right way. Here are a few tips…

• Have a comprehensive resource—such as a staff training manual covering client communication, dress code, fecal interpretation, etc.—in a place that’s easy to access, such as a physical binder or computer file.

• Ask your new hire about their previous experience, and what questions they have for you.

• Set up a timeline, so the new employee knows exactly what they need to learn and by when.

• Decide who is doing the training. Make sure that person is up for the job—rather than viewing it as a burden, they should be someone who enjoys teaching others.

• Have check-ins during the training process—both to see if the new hire is doing their part to learn, and to be sure they’re not overwhelmed.

Learning to “Let Go”—So You Can Thrive

As a veterinary practice owner, delegating your tasks can be hard at first. 

After all, you’ve just built the practice you dreamed of, and you might feel a strong desire to have a hand in every aspect of your daily operations.

It can be challenging to let go of that need to oversee everything.

Also, delegation is not necessarily something to be taken lightly. You must be sure you have team members you trust to take on important responsibilities. 

However, once you allow your talented team to take on the responsibilities they’re trained to do, that can mean better professional satisfaction for them, and less “overwhelm” for you.

It can allow you to do more with your time each day while expanding your reach in terms of both patient care and income potential.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Hiring and Staff Retention

Your team members are a crucial part of your veterinary practice’s success.

Therefore, it’s worth it to invest time in hiring, developing effective team communication, and figuring out how to nurture team members so they stay with you long-term.

But, if you’re new to hiring and team motivation, where do you begin?

It All Starts With Your Foundation

To hire and retain the right staff members for your new veterinary practice, you first need to know what you really want your practice to be like.

What’s your practice philosophy? How big should your team be? What style of communication would you like to be the norm? Will your staff be cross-trained, or will each team member have a clearly defined role? 

Spend some time thinking about these things. Make notes, and put as many details into your vision as you can.

The more you can convey your vision in your job postings and during interviews, the more you’ll be able to find people who are a good fit for your practice environment.

Finding the Best Candidates

Here are some basics to think about when it comes to attracting high-quality candidates…

• Where will you find candidates? Think about posting your job listing on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, the AVMA, Facebook job boards, and asking vet schools to post at the school for you. In addition to posting a job description, think about local and online networking.

• Does your job listing stand out? Think of a catchy title. Use bullet points rather than long paragraphs—that makes it easier to scan the text. Also, focus not just on technical information about your practice, but also on the perks and benefits for potential employees and why it’s great to work there.

• Be specific and accurate. Be honest about the job and responsibilities, in as much detail as possible. That way, potential candidates will know exactly what to expect.

• Why should candidates choose you? Once you find a good candidate, it’s important to remember they may be interviewing at several places and have several good offers. So, it’s best to make your offer as attractive as possible, if you really want to hire the best.

Benefits could include things like health insurance, scheduled raises or bonuses, incentive programs, paid time off, a relocation bonus, student debt repayment help, or a CE allowance. It could also include a structured mentorship program for new graduates. Get creative, see what others in your region offer, and figure out how to make an offer that would be difficult to refuse.

• Talk to colleagues. It’s possible someone you went to vet school with may have a stellar employee who’s moving to your area, and your classmate can recommend your clinic.

• Keep your website up to date. Potential candidates may research you via your website and social media presence. Keeping these online platforms up to date, with great content and fun pictures, can create a positive first impression. In addition to potential employees, it also helps with potential clients.

• Consider hiring a veterinary recruiter. Sometimes, it’s best to let the experts do the legwork so you can balance your daily responsibilities as a practice owner. 

Your reputation is also important.

If your employees rave about how much they love working at your practice, word of mouth can help to attract wonderful new employees.

On the other hand, employees who’ve had a negative experience may have the opposite effect. 

Hiring Tips

Once you have candidates to interview, you’ll need to design a process that works well for you in terms of interviewing.

This may take some trial and error. But start with these tips…

• Focus not only on technical skills and qualifications, but also on attitude, and on soft skills such as communication.

• Verify degrees, licenses, references, etc.

• Ask the same set of questions to all applicants. And consider using behavior-based interview questions, which tell you more about how a person may act in a given situation.

• Ask about availability and flexibility, especially if you need to fill specific shifts.

• Don’t make the process too difficult. For example, multiple days of interviews may not be possible for someone currently employed elsewhere.

• Try to do a working interview, and consider bringing other key staff members into the decision process.

• Always communicate clearly, and try to give a timeframe for when you’ll make your decision.

During social distancing, it may also be valuable to do your initial conversation via Zoom. Become familiar with this platform, and treat it just like you would an in-person interview by sending personalized messages and introducing everyone who joins the call.

Staff Retention

Once you find team members who are a good fit and contribute to the growth of your practice—of course, you’ll want to keep them around!

Here are a few ideas to help with staff retention…

• Deliver on what you promised, in terms of the new hire’s job responsibilities, your practice culture, etc.

• Have a clear, comfortable onboarding and training process for new team members.

• Have check-ins at specified times after hiring, to see how the new team member is adjusting and if they need anything.

• Ask your team members about their goals. Some may want to increase their pay. Others may want a flexible schedule based on their kids’ school and activities. Still, others may be interested in professional growth and the ability to rise to management. For veterinary associates, this may mean adding a new skill set to offer to clients, such as acupuncture.

Whatever your employees’ goals, professional fulfillment can help with retention.

• Encourage open communication. By making it safe for your staff to have any complaints heard and addressed, you can resolve issues before they become a big problem.

By nurturing your team and creating a supportive environment, you’ll not only make your own workdays more pleasant—you’ll also be contributing to the success of your new veterinary practice.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Location and Real Estate Considerations When Opening a Veterinary Practice

When starting your own veterinary practice, location is one of the most important decisions you make.

Here are some considerations to help you pick the perfect place…

Where Do You Want to Be?

If you’re firmly rooted in your current location—due to family or a strong tie to the community—then go ahead and explore the options in your town or nearby within a reasonable driving distance.

But, if you’re more flexible, looking outside your city may present more options to choose from.

If you’re staying close to home, remember to look at the non-compete clauses of all the practices you’ve worked for recently. 

What Do You Need to Consider About Your Desired Location?

So, you have an idea of where you’d like your future practice to be. But, how do you know that location will be sustainable for your new business?

Evaluate your potential location(s) for…

• Visibility/prime location in the community. 

A high-traffic area may help new clients find you. But, a prime location can also be more expensive.

• Ease of access. 

Is it convenient to reach your practice from the road? Is there plenty of parking? Is there a spot for dogs to go to the bathroom?

• Is there enough space? 

Consider anything you might want to add in the future (such as a boarding facility)—will there be enough room on the property for this?

• What’s the veterinary community like? 

Is the area already saturated with the competition? Or, is there room for one more? 

What will differentiate your new practice from other veterinary businesses in the area?

• What’s the clientele like? 

Is the average income in the area consistent with the prices you’re planning to charge for your services?

• Which businesses are your neighbors? 

A dog grooming salon could be a perfect neighbor to form a mutually beneficial relationship with. On the other hand, sharing a wall with a club that plays loud music might not be good for keeping pets calm.

• Is the population growing or declining?

For many of these considerations, it’s best to work with a veterinary or start-up consultant. 

Do You Want an Existing Practice, Or Something Totally New?

Many experts report that existing practice is favored by lenders since there will already be an existing, provable business structure and cash flow. 

But, the disadvantage of this option is that it may be harder to make changes and create a practice that’s truly your own. Existing staff and clientele may be expecting things to be done the same way they’ve always been done.

Here are some important questions if you’re thinking about buying an existing practice…

• How was the asking price calculated? 

You’ll also have the chance to get your own valuation with a consultant, to be sure the price is appropriate.

• What’s included with the sale, and what isn’t? 

Don’t assume the x-ray machine and other equipment are included (and in good working order), only to find out they’re not.

• Why is the current owner selling? What are their plans for their own career after the sale?

• Are there any special terms or conditions?

Other buying options include:

• an existing non-veterinary structure

• or building your own practice from the ground up.

Each of these options has its own pros and cons.

When purchasing an existing non-veterinary building or unit, look into what sorts of renovations are needed to create space for major equipment, a surgery suite, exam rooms, etc.

This may be a good in-between option that allows you to build your own practice culture, and that’s less expensive than starting from scratch with a new structure—assuming the renovations aren’t price prohibitive. 

If you decide to build your own practice, you’ll have the most freedom in terms of seeing your own dream practice come to life.

But, this option can be very expensive, and it will take time to build a clientele. You’ll need a solid business growth plan to show lenders they can take a chance on you.

Should You Rent Or Buy?

Here are some things to consider about renting…

• A leased space may be less expensive than buying (according to some consultants, your loan will be half or even just a quarter as much as buying a practice).

• You may be limited in renovations and expansion potential.

• How and when will the rent go up?

• Are repairs (such as a plumbing leak) covered by you or the landlord?

When buying, think about these factors…

• Is the higher loan amount realistic for your immediate income needs?

• Will the current owner cover repairs that are needed right away? You certainly don’t want to buy a practice only to discover an expensive foundation or roof repair is needed!

How Do You Figure All of This Out?

If you’re working and have your hands full with a packed appointment schedule, you may be wondering how you’ll find the time to do all this research and make an informed decision.

That’s where the right consultant (or team of consultants) comes in. Experts you work with may include a: veterinary consultant, start-up consultant, veterinary practice appraiser/valuator, accountant, banker, architect, real estate agent, attorney.

Every situation is unique, so your list of consultants may look different than this. In general, try to find professionals who have experience with veterinary practices and understand the nuances of your industry.

All of this may take time, but it’s important to have patience. Rather than rushing into something that isn’t quite what you wanted, you’ll be excited the day you open the doors to your dream practice!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM