Launching Your Veterinary Practice: A Friendly Guide to Financing with Live Oak Bank
Starting or growing a veterinary practice can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming.
It’s the start of something new, but it comes with some significant financial decisions. From securing the correct location to investing in equipment and staffing, the costs can quickly add up.
That’s why having a lending partner who understands the veterinary profession is so important.
That’s where Live Oak Bank comes in
They've built their reputation by specializing in veterinary practice loans, and their approach is all about understanding your unique needs.
Live Oak Bank is tailored to the needs of veterinary practice owners for several reasons:
Veterinary roots and expertise: Live Oak Bank was actually founded to serve veterinarians—their early focus was veterinary lending, and they even have a DVM on staff to ensure they truly “get it.”
SBA Preferred Lender: They offer SBA 7(a), SBA 504, USDA, conventional, and Express loans—backed by the Small Business Administration for smoother approvals, often faster processing, and favorable terms.
Significant loan amounts for growth: Want to acquire a clinic or expand into real estate? Loan options go up to $5 million (SBA 7(a)) and $15 million (SBA 504).
Dedicated support: Borrowers are paired with a business analyst from application through funding—meaning you're guided every step of the way.
Speed, Support, and Storytelling
Live Oak Bank combines efficiency with a personal touch—moving quickly to get you the funding you need while keeping the process clear and supportive. And because they have real veterinarians who’ve walked this path, you can see firsthand how others have successfully financed their practices, making the journey feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more achievable.
Here are a few more details you can expect:
Fast underwriting and closing: SBA underwriting can take 1–2 weeks, with closings typically within 45–90 days. Preferred lender status helps streamline this.
Personalization: Beyond numbers, Live Oak offers relational support. One reviewer highlighted that “every borrower is connected with a dedicated business analyst.”
Real veterinary stories: Live Oak features real-life veterinary entrepreneurs on their blog—sharing relatable experiences of how they “got the cash.”
Preparing for Your Loan Journey
Preparing for your loan journey is all about laying a strong foundation. The more organized you are with your financials, business plan, and long-term goals, the smoother the process will be.
Think of it as creating a roadmap for your practice’s future—when lenders see that you’ve done your homework, it not only speeds up approvals but also positions you for the best possible terms.
Focus on financial health: Keep your debt-to-income ratio healthy—typically under 50%—and plan to put down at least 10% for SBA loans.
Get documents in order: Expect to provide business plans, financial statements, debt info, tax returns, bank statements, etc. Being prepared can speed up approvals.
Leverage relationships: Connect with SBA-savvy loan officers—Live Oak has region-specific specialists, including some focused on veterinary lending.
Why Veterinarians Should Care
Industry understanding—You’re not just a number. With a DVM and veterinary-focused approach, Live Oak can speak your language.
Customized financial tools—Whether a small clinic expansion or a complete hospital acquisition, the right loan funding is available.
Speed matters—Being an SBA Preferred Lender means faster decisions when you need to ramp up quickly.
Guided process—From application to closing, a dedicated analyst keeps you connected and on track.
Your Next Steps
If you’re dreaming of starting your own veterinary hospital, expanding your current clinic, or upgrading equipment, here’s what to do now:
Visit Live Oak Bank's Veterinary Practice Loans page to get a feel for their approach.
Prepare your paperwork and reach out to a business analyst—they’re there to help you navigate options.
Share your story—both the challenges and triumphs—as this resonates deeply with others and particularly, prospective clients.
Live Oak Bank offers a knowledgeable and flexible path to financing your veterinary practice dreams. With their loan products designed for veterinarians, personalized guidance, and commitment to your success, you're in thoughtful hands and ready to grow—from exam room to entire hospital.
Please reach out to me, and I will help you get the process started. Call: 877-545-1202
