Ready to venture out on your own and open your own practice from the ground up? Opening your own veterinary clinic can be a difficult task. Staring a new business comes with challenges and can be a difficult and overwhelming task. If you take your time and carefully plan it can be a smooth process. This article includes tips for starting for you own veterinary clinic. We go through the steps of opening a new clinic.
1. Vision
It is likely that when you went to school you had the vision of owning your practice. Whether you are finishing up school and ready to open your practice or you have been working in the field and want to go on your own, you likely have an idea of what you want. It’s best to start with a list of things you will need to bring your vision to life. Starting with a business plan.
2. Business Plan
The first step to a good business plan is learning business basics. Having a good business plan will be the key to your success.
Questions to ask yourself:
- What type of practice do you want to run?
- How will it be structured?
- How many staff do you need/want?
- Funding and Financing
- Sourcing Equipment and Instruments
- Financial Goals
- Marketing
This is just the beginning, there is much more
3. Legalities and Establishing a brand
Having a team of industry professionals is very important to ensure your new clinic is a success. Here are some things you need to remember when preparing to open a new clinic and/or mobile practice.
- Register your new practice
- Register for taxes
- Get an accountant
- Secure funding
- Obtain any permits or licenses required
- Architect and Contractor for your new building
- Equipment and instrument supplier
- Medication supplier
- Decide if you want to carry pet food and supplies, if yes you will need a supplier
Marketing
- Establish a brand (logo, colors, fonts, brand guidelines)
- Create a web presence (google, website, social media, etc.)
4. Financial Plan
Your financial plan is very important. It is the key to getting everything going. You may need a loan or financing to get started. This is also a good stage to think about how you are going to price your services and products. Planning unexpected costs along the way is also important.
5. Location, Location, Location
When it comes to veterinary practices you could be mobile or have a physical location. Finding a location for your practice that fits all your needs may take some time and there are some things you need to consider.
- Where is your client base and are you within reach of them?
- Buying, renting, or leasing a space is a decision that will depend mainly on finances. Do you want to start small and move later or get a space you can grow into?
- Who is your competition in the area? How far away are they?
- Is there an outdoor space for people to take their pets before appointments?
- Amount of parking space available
6. Order Equipment and Supplies
Once everything is in place, like financing, location, and legalities you are ready to get equipment. You will need everything from autoclaves to x-rays. Think about standard equipment including lab equipment and supplies. Clinics also need tables for exams and surgeries, cages, surgical equipment, x-ray equipment, and more. You will also need medications.
You must choose an equipment provider that you can trust! Ask lots of questions and ensure you are comfortable with warranties, contracts, and after-care like service, support, and repairs.
7. Marketing Plan
Once you are ready to open you need to tell everyone about your practice. You can try this on your own but you may want to outsource your marketing to a professional. You will need to ensure your practice is listed online, build a website, create social pages and consider ads to tell people about your new practice.
8. Hire
You cannot do everything on your own, you will need help! To provide your clients with the best possible experience you will need a team of professionals to help you. Positions you need to consider filling are a receptionist and/or office manager, assistants, vet technician, and possibly another veterinarian.