People look for various qualities in a veterinarian and veterinary clinic. The top considerations are location, the scope of service (specialty), cost, and personality. Pet owners also want licensed, insured professionals that give their all into caring for animals. You should find the right disability insurance for soon-to-be veterinarians if you plan to open a veterinary clinic. Consider other business insurance policies, property, location, size, and competition.
7 Things to Look for in a Veterinary Clinic
Working in a veterinary office can be an exciting experience and an opportunity to progress your career. The challenge is finding a clinic that suits your needs. Your training, wages, and residence will determine the ideal clinic. Many veterinarians want a clinic close to their homes to reduce commuting expenses. You also want a clinic that works with the animals you’re trained to handle. Here are seven things to look for in a veterinary clinic:
1. The Right Location
Location is everything when looking for a veterinary clinic to put your skills to practice. The location impacts business availability, competition, and working experience. You want a location surrounded by many pet owners, animal farms, or rescue centers. The goal is to find a location with many opportunities to hone your skills and gain experience. You may also want a location close to your home or easily accessible.
2. Property Features
If you’re starting a private practice, focus on property amenities, including rooms, lighting, HVAC, internet, and more. The property should have ample space to support veterinary functions. Look for properties with enough parking space for your customers. Consider remodeling the interior to fit your needs. The best veterinary clinics have buildings and spaces optimized for daily routines, emergencies, and special visits.
3. Treated Species
If you’re soon graduating from veterinary school, you probably have specific clinics in mind. Veterinary offices specialize in treating particular species. Some offer mixed practices, which combine pets, companion animals, and farm animals. Others specialize in specific species, like reptiles, fish, birds, or mammals. Large clinics may cover most species, including small animals, farm animals, equines, and exotic animals. Choose a clinic that aligns with your training and specialty.
4. Clinic Size
Veterinary clinics and practices vary in size. A modest one-person clinic may suffice if you’re opening a veterinary office. Graduates looking to join a company have more to consider. You’ll find everything from small offices with a few employees to established hospital premises employing multiple vets. Other clinics are branches or part of a larger franchise. Larger practices offer more resources and opportunities for new graduates, but some people prefer smaller setups.
5. Working/Appointment Hours
Veterinary practices have varying appointment times and working hours. Some clinics follow standard hours with emergency coverage for nights and holidays. Others provide early morning, late evening, or weekend appointments. New veterinarian graduates should review the working hours to optimize their schedules. You can take up a job with a clinic offering weekend appointments and join another with different programs to maximize your options.
6. Costs and Salaries
The cost of veterinary services may influence the salaries vets to receive. Large practices in high-end locations that charge more can pay higher wages. As a newly graduated or soon-to-graduate vet, you need a clinic that offers good salaries and benefits. Check if the clinic provides disability insurance for its veterinarians. Compare veterinary service fees, overheads, and extra fees. You can also review benefit plans and promotion opportunities.
7. Reputation and Recommendations
Leading veterinary clinics have a growing reputation for their services. When looking for a clinic to work at, review the sentiments of other workers and the community. Gauge how people perceive the services and employees and whether they seem happy. The goal is to find a clinic with a thriving workplace environment that allows you to excel. The best clinics will receive more recommendations from customers, review sites, and other experts in the field.
Disability Insurance for Soon-to-Be Veterinarians
Every veterinarian needs disability insurance to protect them in case of debilitating injury or illness. Being a vet has many risks, including needle injuries, scratches, bites, stomps, falls, viruses, and infections. Dealing with needles, rugged terrains, and sick/aggressive animals can leave you injured or ill and keep you from work.
If you’re almost done with your training, seek disability insurance for soon to be veterinarians. Purchasing insurance early can protect your income if you cannot return to work. Stick to reputable carriers and companies offering disability insurance and other policies to veterinary students and practitioners.
