One area of the economy that has thrived during the Covid-19 pandemic is anything related to pets. A staggering 3.2 million new pets were acquired during the lockdowns, leading to pressure on and growth of pet-related industries.
There is currently an acute shortage of some pet products and of veterinary practices. The veterinary industry has over the last few years become female-dominated, with 85% of current graduates from vet school being women.
At the same time, Brexit has meant that the industry has lost many qualified vets from the EU. So it’s a time of crisis for the veterinary industry, which is also a time of opportunity.
In line with other industries that have become female-dominated, salaries for vets have seen a downward pressure in recent years. But with demand for their services exceeding the supply of vets, those female vets are now in a position of power to reshape the industry. Rather than work for chains that have been devaluing their skills and squeezing out profits, female vets are now in a stronger position than ever to go it alone and set up their own practice.
Starting your own Vet Practice
If you’re thinking about starting your vet practice, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will discuss four important factors that can make or break your new business. So if you’re ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, make sure you read on.
Staffing
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting your vet practice is who to hire. You’ll need dedicated, qualified staff who share your vision for the practice and are committed to providing quality care for animals. When interviewing potential employees, be sure to ask questions about their values and their vision for the future of the practice as well as, of course, their experience with animals and their approach to veterinary medicine. It’s also important to provide your staff with ongoing training for veterinary software and development opportunities. This will help them stay up-to-date on the latest veterinary procedures and keep their skills sharp. Investing in your team’s education is a win-win situation: your staff will be happier and more productive, and your patients will benefit from the best possible care.
Compensation and benefits are another important consideration when staffing your vet practice. You’ll need to attract and retain the best talent, so be sure to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. This may include health insurance, a decent level of holiday time, sick pay and other perks.
It’s also important to put in place policies and procedures that will help keep things running smoothly. Your employees need clear guidelines for how they should behave both on and off the job, and you’ll want to have a plan in place for dealing with disciplinary issues.
Equipment and Supplies
Your first step will be to find premises. Those should have adequate space for examination rooms, waiting rooms, and offices, as well as space for overnight stays. You will also need adequate parking space.
There are a few key pieces of equipment you’ll need. First and foremost, you’ll need an examination table and the latest medical equipment, including machines for ultrasound, x-rays, cauterising, and anesthesia. You’ll also need medical supplies such as vaccines, antibiotics, and other medications. All of those supplies should be available at a discounted rate if you order in bulk. In addition to medical supplies, you’ll also need office supplies such as computers and printers.
By taking the time to research what equipment and supplies you’ll need, you’ll be able to avoid any surprises down the road. With the right planning and preparation, you can ensure that your new veterinary clinic is off to a successful start.
Marketing and Advertising
Creating a marketing plan and budget is critical for any business, especially a new vet practice. You’ll need to identify your target market, what media outlets you will use, and how much money you are willing to spend on advertising. Don’t forget about online marketing – having a strong website and social media presence is key in today’s world.
There are many different advertising strategies you can use to promote your vet practice. Some of the most popular include print ads, radio spots, TV commercials, and online marketing (including search engine optimization and pay-per-click campaigns). It’s important to choose the right ones for your business and target market. Once you’ve launched your advertising campaign, it’s important to track its effectiveness. This involves evaluating things like how many new clients you’re attracting, what they’re spending on services, and whether or not they’re referring others to your practice. Adjusting your advertising strategy based on this information can help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment.
Financing Your Practice
It is likely that you will need to secure financing for your veterinary business. This can be done through a variety of methods, including loans from banks or private investors, or by issuing shares in your business. You will need to put together a business plan and to estimate your start-up and running costs. This will include things mentioned above like purchasing equipment and furniture, hiring staff, and setting up your office. It’s important to have a realistic idea of how much money you’ll need to get your business up and running.
If you are taking out a business loan then this will have to be repaid over time and the repayments will need to be factored into your running costs. This can help spread out the cost of starting your business over time and make it more manageable.
You will want to make sure that you are building equity in your business. This means that you should be reinvesting profits into the vet practice, rather than taking them out as income. This can help to ensure that your business is growing and becoming more valuable over time. If you do not reinvest, you may find yourself at a disadvantage when it comes time to sell your business. It is also important to remember that there are many different ways to build equity, choosing the right one for your business is critical.
If you’re thinking of starting your vet practice, these are four factors you’ll need to keep in mind! A veterinary practice is a significant undertaking, so be sure to get professional support and advice from an accountant and business lawyer. They can help you to put together a robust business plan that will get your business set up and keep it on track.