Setting up your own practice

RE: Setting up your own practice

apache — Mon, 23 May 2022 09:06:28 GMT

No - worst of both worlds. It's your money at risk and they cream off profit made by the business. Existing people sign all sorts of legal contracts stopping them talking about it. From what I hear, it's not great for most people and you can be easily trapped in the deal. If it's your own business you can decide to sell or even close the doors if you want.

RE: Setting up your own practice

Emma.b.25 — Tue, 17 May 2022 16:36:49 GMT

What’s your thoughts on jvp with v4p?

RE: Setting up your own practice

apache — Sun, 15 May 2022 22:31:54 GMT

Do you have a specific vet in mind or do you aim to recruit?

Location is key. Need good access, good parking, enough space and enough of a pet population (your physical shop front is your best advert).

I'd stress the 'independent' aspect.

Make a spreadsheet of basic equipment you need and do some costings. You don't need a CT scanner on day 1. Keep your eyes open for 2nd hand kit - it doesn't need to be all bells and whistles.

Costings of the building are impossible until you've found something. LOTS of empty retail premises - go and look at some. It's amazing how you fill space, so aim a little bigger than 1st thoughts. How much can you do yourself/friends and family?

I think 2 vets and 2 nurses would be the absolute minimum to start with. Even if everyone mucks in with different jobs. What happens if your only vet calls in sick? People need time off. Later on you can add in more nurses, receptionists, cleaners etc (depending on how you plan to do things).

Decide on your values and stick to them. Why should someone move to your practice? Make sure you follow through with them.

Look what money you have (some kind of deposit or personal security likely) and then approach some banks looking to borrow money. An accountant will help with this and can do some predictions. How long can you afford to live on very little, as the boss gets paid last?

I'm sure you can make a successful practice if you pick the right area, do good work and have good staff. The hardest part is biting the bullet, borrowing the money and risking your house to do it!

RE: Setting up your own practice

Emma.b.25 — Fri, 13 May 2022 12:26:44 GMT

Thankyou for your reply, I’m thinking small animal, two vet (eventually) type first opinion. Can I rent a premise and repurpose? Where would I start?

RE: Setting up your own practice

Becky Jones — Sun, 01 May 2022 07:12:47 GMT

It’s not a dream , it’s a goal and one that seems to be growing from what I can see . I’m desperate to make it it happen but am also terrified I have no clue what to do ?? Research, research, research. I qualified in 1998 and the girl I trained with has had her own practice for 20 years ! It’s finding the right team with the same dream x

RE: Setting up your own practice

apache — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 23:13:14 GMT

I run an independent practice. Can be done.

What do you have in mind? Biggest barrier can be finances, don't over stretch yourself.