How do you start your own veterinary business?

Answer 1

You didn't say if you wanted to start a Wildlife Habitat or just babysit for dogs and cats. I am taking it you want to babysit for people's pets. You can also become a foster parent for many small animals from the shelters. This means you can take several dogs in (puppies that need constant round the clock care) and the same applies for cats or kittens. It's like a Transition House until a suitable family can be found for these animals. There is good money is babysitting pets while owners are away on either business trips or holidays. You first have to realize that people really think highly of their pets or they wouldn't go to the cost of having someone come into their home. Here are a few tips to help you get started: * Choose a name for your business. Under the name put something like, 'Lady who treats your pets like her own kids.' This is just a silly thing I put, but come up with a catchy phrase. You're main objective is to get the clients to trust in you so they can go away without any worries. Advertise at vet's offices or at drug stores or even put an ad in the paper for 3 - 4 days. If you are a pet lover and have pets of your own then put this is your ad. Let your clients know you are use to dogs, cats or both. In Canada they charge $25- $45 per day and the owner provides their pet's food and your food. The more you do around their home (at their request) the more you charge. If they want their home cleaned as well as walking dogs, etc., then you charge a higher rate. * When a client comes you MUST set up your own small questionnaire for the client to fill out which would include the phone #'s (schedule) of where you can reach them if there is an emergency; their vet's phone #, what medications the pet may be on; if the pet needs to see the vet periodically while they are gone; and, if it should happen (which I hope it never does) and the dog is old and dying that you have the right to first call them, but then have the pet put down at the request of the vet. Also the client should provide their own food for their pets and write on your questionnaire what portions to feed their pet and if there are any meds added to that food. Also any bad or good habits the pet has. Example: If it's a dog how often do they take their dog for a walk and that's how often you should. If the dog/cat has a certain routine. * Keep 'Client cards' which would be your questionnaire the client fills out and SIGNS. If you are good at your job then they will request your services again and you'll have all the information. If they come back for your services go over the questionnaire again to be sure that their pet's eating habits, any health problems or meds haven't changed. * When the client pays you then give them a receipt and KEEP THE COPY OF THE RECEIPT. * You can do straight bookkeeping. Make sure you write down check #'s, the name of the client, what kind of pet it is and how many days you looked after that pet(s). Then put down the amount you made from that client. Put the dates down you babysat (such as Sept 1 - Sept 7, 2007.) Make sure you enclose ALL receipts. * When your personal tax time comes hire a CGA to go over your bookkeeping. The CGA's fee rotates (write off each year) on your taxes. Also you will have other write offs as a business. I saw a program last year where a woman had a van and she would pick up dogs from different sections in California and take the dogs to certain places to let them run around and play safely. She made a lot of money doing this. Of course these were well to do pet owners and some were even actor's pets. People who work long hours or staggered hours and have the money need someone to look after their pets if they are true pet owners.

Answer 2

The first step is to check your local and state laws - depending upon where you are at, there may be legal restrictions on who can own a veterinary clinic or hospital (usually only a veterinarian). Second, you need to do market research for the area you are interested in starting your business at - is there enough business here for the type of clinic you want to start? Third, you need to develop a business plan - where is the money going to come from, how much are you going to charge, what will be the overhead and variable expenses, etc. Once you have this together, you can talk to a bank or lending institution about a start-up loan for your business. With money you can start pulling together what you need - location, utilities, insurance, supplies, staff, etc.

Answer 3

go to vet school.