Selling a veterinary practice is a complex process, and working with an experienced professional broker can help ensure a smoother, more successful transaction.

Why not start now? Veterinarians are deeply committed to their work, patients, and teams—so the idea of leaving a practice can feel daunting. But thoughtful planning ensures you can exit on your own terms, whether that means enjoying a well-earned retirement, pursuing a new specialty, or spending more time with family and friends.

Having a clear exit strategy also protects you against the unexpected. Health issues, family needs, or emergencies can force a sudden relocation or sale. Without a plan, holding onto a practice too long can lead to declining revenue and diminished value—making it harder to sell when the time comes. In the worst-case scenario, a sudden closure or death can leave behind a practice that’s nearly impossible to sell.

The best time to plan is before you need to. Working with a broker to develop an exit strategy—even if it’s years away—gives you flexibility, peace of mind, and the best possible outcome.

Ideally, you should begin planning at least three years before your desired exit date. A well-executed strategy takes time—starting with a professional valuation from your broker. This initial assessment may recommend everything from cosmetic updates to financial adjustments that can increase your practice’s value and appeal to buyers.

Planning early gives you time to make these improvements thoughtfully, while waiting until the last minute can negatively impact both marketability and sale price. While some owners hire costly consultants, veterinarians can often get more relevant, specialized guidance directly from a broker. For example, PS Broker has focused exclusively on veterinary practices for over 24 years, offering expert valuations and strategic advice tailored to this unique market.

This early valuation is the foundation of a strong exit strategy. Keep in mind—about 70% of veterinarians don’t have an exit plan, and it often costs them at the closing table.

Selling your practice isn’t just about the highest offer—it’s about finding a buyer who shares your values. After years of building trust with your community, clients, and staff, you’ll want someone who will honor that legacy and continue the culture you’ve worked hard to create.

If you’re hesitant to sell to a corporate group or chain, a well-planned exit strategy gives you the flexibility to choose a buyer who aligns with your vision. Be ready to articulate your practice philosophy and what matters most to you in a successor. The right buyer isn’t just financially qualified—they’re the right fit for your practice’s future.

If you have partners in your practice, aligning on an exit strategy is essential—and it’s not always easy. Emotions can run high, and differing goals can create tension. PS Broker understands the complexities of partnership dynamics and can help guide productive conversations, minimize conflict, and ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Your staff is one of your practice’s most valuable assets, and a strong, stable team can significantly boost your practice’s appeal to buyers. Low turnover, long-tenured employees, and well-trained support staff are all signs of a healthy practice. Delegating responsibilities—especially to a capable practice manager—can make your practice more attractive to potential buyers, particularly those who want to focus on medicine rather than management.

If you’re currently handling both clinical and administrative duties, consider bringing in a practice manager who can stay on through the transition. Buyers find it reassuring to have experienced leadership in place.

Eventually, you’ll need to inform your staff about your plans. It’s important to protect their interests, reassure them about their future with the new owner, and communicate that the practice will continue to be in good hands. The same holds true for your clients. PS Broker has extensive experience guiding practice owners through these sensitive conversations and transitions.

You’ll need to decide how you want to receive the proceeds from your practice sale—and there are several options. With guidance from PS Broker and your team of professionals (tax advisor, accountant, and attorney), you can choose a structure that aligns with your financial goals and tax situation.

Common arrangements include lump sum payments, seller financing, lease agreements, or even 1031 property exchanges. Some sellers choose to finance part of the sale themselves—something to consider carefully as you evaluate your comfort level and long-term plans.

Yes. A non-compete clause is standard in veterinary practice sales and protects the value of the business for the buyer. The duration and geographic scope are negotiated based on your location and market—typically, 3 years within 5 miles in urban areas, and up to 5 years over a broader radius in rural settings.

In many cases, you’ll also be asked to stay on for a short transition period—usually around 30 days. Some sellers choose to continue working in a part-time or relief role beyond that. As part of your exit strategy, consider whether you want any ongoing involvement, and for how long. PS Broker can help you weigh these options and negotiate terms that align with your goals.