Financing Your Veterinary Practice: Options and Strategies for Success

Owning a veterinary practice is a dream for many veterinarians. However, it can be expensive to start and run a practice. That’s why it’s important to understand your financing options and develop a strategy for success.

There are several different financing options available for veterinary practices. Some of the most common options include:

• Bank loans: Bank loans are a traditional form of financing that can be used to finance the purchase of a practice, equipment, or other assets.
• SBA loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs that can be used to finance small businesses, including veterinary practices.
• Family Support: If you’re lucky enough to have generous family members, they could be a great option for helping you finance your practice. This isn’t common for everyone, but it’s a route worth considering if it’s available to you.
• Investor Backing: While less traditional for a veterinary practice, venture capital, angel investors, or crowdfunding can also provide the financial boost you need. It’s a bit of a long shot, but it’s not unheard of.

The best financing option for your practice will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your practice, your financial situation, and your goals for the business. It’s important to speak with a financial advisor to get personalized advice on your financing options.

Here are some tips for financing your veterinary practice:

• Choose a vet-friendly bank: When it comes to picking a bank for financing, consider one that has experience with veterinary practices. For example, Partners Veterinary Group trusts Old National Bank for their needs and recommends reaching out to Mark Oganovich at mark.oganovich@oldnational.com. 
• Start planning early: It’s important to start planning for financing your practice early in the process. This will give you time to research your options and find the best financing solution for your needs.
• Get pre-approved for a loan: Getting pre-approved for a loan before you start looking for a practice will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. This will also make the negotiation process easier when you find a practice that you want to buy.
• Opt for delayed or interest-only loans: When it comes to choosing loans, we recommend going for options that offer a grace period of about 6 months or have interest-only payments for the first 6-12 months. Money is often tight at the beginning, so being realistic about your cash flow is key.
• Build a strong business plan: A strong business plan is essential for securing financing for your practice. Your business plan should outline your goals for the business, your financial projections, and your marketing strategy. However, it’s unwise to attempt this alone. Consider getting professional guidance to ensure your plan is as robust and persuasive as possible.
• Get professional advice: It’s important to get professional advice from a financial advisor or business consultant when you’re financing your veterinary practice. They can help you make the best decisions for your business and ensure that you’re getting the best financing terms possible. Contact Partners Veterinary Group, where we are committed to helping veterinarians with an entrepreneurial spirit. We’re always happy to provide advice, whether you partner with us or not.
• Plan for a lean first year: Understand that the first year might be a financial challenge. It’s a good idea to budget for a potential cash shortfall, perhaps around $100,000, on top of covering your basic living expenses. By doing this, you’re setting yourself up to weather the early storms and come out stronger on the other side.

Partners Veterinary Group can help you obtain ownership in a veterinary practice. Partners Veterinary Group can also provide you with mentorship and support to help you succeed in business.

Explore ownership opportunities, review our benefits package, or contact us about joining our Partners Veterinary Group team.