Purchasing a veterinary practice will be one of the most significant financial decisions of your career.

Owning a veterinary practice involves more than excellent medical skills—it requires strong business management. Consider whether you’re comfortable with hiring and managing staff, handling finances, scheduling, and maintaining client records. Would you prefer to focus solely on medicine, or would hiring an office manager help balance your responsibilities?

PS Broker can guide you through your ownership options, ensuring a safe and sensible investment. Remember, your agent, lender, and everyone involved in your purchase are invested in your long-term success—not just closing the deal.

Choosing where to own a practice depends on your lifestyle and professional goals. With opportunities available nationwide, you can select from urban, suburban, or rural settings that suit your family’s needs. Consider the type of practice you want—not just the animals you’ll treat, but also your preferred workload. Do you envision a relaxed, turn-key operation with ample free time, or a high-growth practice with expansion potential?

PS Broker has in-depth knowledge of local markets across the country and can help you evaluate whether a practice you’re interested in is the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.

Starting a new practice requires careful market research, including competition, location, and demand. Unlike an established practice, a start-up begins with no clients, cash flow, or established procedures—while immediately accumulating debt and expenses. You’ll need to hire and train staff, develop workflows, and build a patient base from scratch.

While lenders may finance start-ups, closing costs can be high. In most cases, acquiring an existing practice with a built-in client base, experienced staff, and predictable revenue is a safer and more stable investment.

Financing for veterinary practices is widely available, as lenders view them as safe investments due to their strong track records and solid financial documentation. PS Broker will help you pre-qualify for both conventional and SBA loans and connect you with lenders specializing in veterinary practices—while leaving the final choice up to you.

Many associate doctors with good credit are surprised by how much financing they can secure, often with little or no down payment. PS Broker understands the complexities of today’s financial market and works closely with industry lenders to ensure you’re pre-qualified and ready to act when the right opportunity arises.

Emotions often influence the sale of a veterinary practice. Sellers deeply care about their clients, staff, and the legacy they’ve built. If they’re uncomfortable with a buyer’s approach, they may reject an offer. As a buyer, understanding and respecting the seller’s practice philosophy can help ensure a smooth transition.

While changes are inevitable, sudden shifts can unsettle both staff and clients. A gradual approach to updates—whether in operations or equipment—is key. PS Broker will guide you in developing a strategic plan for equipment use and upgrades, helping you avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Once you find a practice of interest, our team will assess its finances, assets, and operations. Visiting the practice and exploring the area firsthand is essential. With over 24 years of experience, PS Broker ensures that any offer made reflects fair market value and the practice’s future potential.

Most retiring veterinarians are willing to stay on temporarily to ease the transition, and some may even serve as long-term relief doctors. These arrangements are negotiated during the purchase process. Retaining the support staff is also crucial for continuity, and PS Broker will help you plan for staff retention.

Non-compete agreements prevent the seller from opening a competing practice within a specified distance and timeframe. The terms vary based on location—typically three years and five miles in urban areas, or up to five years and 100 miles in rural settings with less competition.

As laws around non-competes evolve, PS Broker stays up to date on legal developments to ensure compliance and protect your investment.

Confidentiality is key for buyers, sellers, and agents, benefiting all parties. We emphasize discretion throughout the process. Our team will manage all negotiations and coordinate visits to the practice. With these fundamentals in mind, and the expertise of PS Broker, you can confidently purchase a veterinary practice and start your career as a business owner. For more information, contact us about Buyer Representation, and we’ll help you begin your journey to owning your own practice.