Veterinary practices can’t run without the right equipment. New veterinary equipment also represents a significant financial investment. So, it’s a crucial consideration in any practice’s long-term business plan.

All clinics need a few key types of veterinary equipment. Otherwise, requirements vary depending on practice style, how busy the clinic is, cash and financing options, whether specialty procedures are performed, and other factors.

The following is a general plan for the types of equipment a new or upgraded veterinary clinic may need, as well as purchasing considerations.

Where to Physically Place the Patients (and Clients)

The first thing to consider is building the “bones” of your practice, i.e., things like seating and setting up your practice’s flow. 

For example, where will patients and clients sit in the waiting room and then the exam room? Does the chair design prevent cats from hiding under them and being difficult to reach?

What about tables? Do you prefer standard veterinary exam tables or ones that raise from the floor? 

How many kennels should there be, and which sizes? 

Veterinary Examination Aids

Another crucial component includes tools used every day for every patient. These items are so second nature that it might be easy to forget them unless a list is made for equipment purchases. This list may include…

• A scale for the patient weight (a large one in the lobby and baby scales in the rooms).

• Proper lighting in the exam room to facilitate a full physical examination.

• An otoscope with different-sized cones and an ophthalmic attachment.

• Thermometers and covers.

• Leashes, harnesses, or cardboard carriers.

• Specific equipment such as a wood’s lamp, Tonopen, etc.

Most of these items don’t represent a significant expense by themselves. But together, costs can add up. It’s important to factor all these purchases into the financial plan.

Veterinary Clinic Cleanliness and Maintenance

This encompasses all cleaning supplies—mops, vacuums, cleaning solutions, paper towels, etc.—including costs of replacing or refilling items over time. 

Air filters for the whole hospital are another consideration, especially for any lingering COVID safety concerns.

Remember to add veterinary cleaning supplies for patients who soil themselves in the hospital, as well as a washer and dryer for linens.

Practice Management and Money Processing

Computers and other hardware can be pricy, but they’re necessary for smooth functioning of the clinic. Good practice management software is also essential.

Think about how your clients will be paying for services. Credit card processing is necessary. Many clinics like portable equipment so clients can check out in the exam room or in their car.

Practice management could also include things needed for staff, like office chairs and a fridge for their lunches.

Diagnostic Equipment for Veterinary Practices

Some veterinary clinics like to send out nearly all their lab work, while others lean heavily toward in-house equipment. Many have a combination of both.

Think about what your clinic will need for bloodwork and urine analyses, including the lab machines themselves, supplies for obtaining samples, tubes for sending samples out, a centrifuge, and a microscope with all supplies. The same goes for fecal samples, FNAs, and other cytologies like ear swabs.

Other key pieces of equipment include those used for diagnostic imaging, such as veterinary x-ray equipment (veterinary x-ray table, generator, plates/sensors, a processor or image software, and lead PPE for staff), dental x-rays, and ultrasound equipment and table. 

Some practices may use veterinary fluoroscopy, cone-beam CT, or other modalities.

The Surgery Suite, Dental Area, and Hospitalization Supplies

Anesthesia induction and monitoring are frequently performed at most veterinary practices. Think about all needed supplies, including inhalant machines, oxygen containers, endotracheal tubes, patient monitoring machines, blood pressure monitoring, and all relevant attachments and connections. Remember warming equipment like Bair huggers.

Plan for a surgery table and good lighting, as well as a wet table for dental and an autoclave for sterilizing tools.

Purchase surgery packs and additional surgical tools in various sizes based on the types of patients you see. Decide on the best dental unit, attachments, and tools (for cleaning and extracting) for your practice.

Remember to add items like IV fluid pumps to your list, as well as towels, food/water bowls, and other supplies for hospitalized patients. Clinics also need refrigerators for storing in-house diagnostic supplies and certain medications. 

Additional Veterinary Equipment

Specialists, or vets with a special interest such as acupuncture, may need additional supplies. Examples include MRI, pneumatic drills or orthopedic surgical equipment like bone plates, cold laser therapy, a water treadmill, and others.

Where to Start with Your Veterinary Clinic Equipment List?

Upgrading one or two key pieces of equipment may be manageable for business-savvy practice owners, whereas supplying a veterinary clinic from scratch may feel overwhelming and confusing. Either way, it’s never a bad idea to consult a professional.

Look for a business or financial consultant familiar with veterinary practices. They can help create a plan for financing and managing startup and ongoing equipment costs. Even for a single equipment upgrade, an expert consultant can make a financial plan to maximize your investment.

Also, look for an excellent CPA to effectively plan for taxes and minimize your tax burden by deducting your equipment costs.

Research and time talking to experts go a long way toward maximizing a veterinary clinic’s equipment investments, so they can provide the best possible care to patients while still keeping their business profitable. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM