Sector information: veterinarian and veterinary practice

Veterinary and veterinary practices can include different specialties and types, depending on the type of care they provide. Here are some common types of veterinary practices:

• General veterinary practices: Offer basic pet health care such as vaccinations, routine checkups, and treatments for common conditions.
• Emergency and 24-hour veterinary practices: Focused on emergency and urgent medical care for animals outside of regular business hours.
• Specialist veterinary practices: Divided into various specialties, including dermatology, orthopedics, internal medicine, cardiology, dentistry, and more.
• Exotic Animal Practices: Specializing in the care of exotic pets, such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
• Equine veterinary practices (equine veterinarians): Focus specifically on the health and welfare of horses and offer diagnostics, treatment and surgery.
• Large pet practices: Focused on the health care of larger animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and pigs.
• Mixed practices: Provide care for both small and large animals. This can range from pets to livestock.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy practices: Specializing in rehabilitation and physical therapy for animals with injuries, post-operative care, or chronic conditions.
• Oncology practices: Focused on diagnosing and treating cancer in animals.
• Veterinary Hospitals: Offer more extensive facilities and services, including surgery, diagnostics, and specialized treatments.
• Mobile veterinary practices: Deliver veterinary services at home, which is convenient for pet owners who have difficulty traveling.

What to look out for when buying a veterinary practice

There are several important considerations when buying a veterinary and veterinary medicine practice. Here are some important aspects you should pay attention to:

• Client base and practice reputation: Research the practice's existing client base and reputation. A loyal client base and reputation are valuable assets.
• Staffing and expertise: Assess the existing workforce, including veterinarians and support staff. Look at the team's expertise and experience.
• Stock and equipment: Check stock of medications and supplies, and assess the condition of medical equipment. Make sure everything is up to date and well maintained.
• Legal issues and licensing: Conduct thorough legal due diligence to ensure all permits, certifications and contracts are in order. This includes any pending legal issues.
• Practice location and facilities: Rate the location of the practice and the quality of its facilities. The practice's accessibility and appearance can affect retaining existing clients and attracting new ones.