Opening a new veterinary clinic is exciting—and overwhelming. There are hundreds of decisions to make, from choosing equipment to setting up software to hiring staff. Miss something important, and you'll pay for it in time, money, or stress later.

This guide provides a comprehensive checklist to help you launch your practice the right way.

Phase 1: Business Foundation (3-6 Months Before Opening)

Business Planning

  • ☐ Write a detailed business plan
  • ☐ Define your target market (species, services, demographics)
  • ☐ Choose business structure (LLC, PLLC, Corporation)
  • ☐ Register your business name
  • ☐ Obtain EIN from IRS
  • ☐ Open business bank accounts
  • ☐ Secure financing (loans, investors, personal capital)

Location & Facility

  • ☐ Research location demographics and competition
  • ☐ Lease or purchase facility
  • ☐ Verify zoning permits veterinary use
  • ☐ Plan facility layout (exam rooms, surgery, reception, kennels)
  • ☐ Hire contractor for build-out if needed
  • ☐ Ensure ADA compliance

Licensing & Legal

  • ☐ Obtain state veterinary facility license
  • ☐ DEA registration for controlled substances
  • ☐ State pharmacy license (if dispensing)
  • ☐ Business license from city/county
  • ☐ Professional liability insurance
  • ☐ General liability insurance
  • ☐ Workers' compensation insurance
  • ☐ Property insurance

Phase 2: Equipment & Supplies (2-3 Months Before)

Medical Equipment

Category Essential Items Budget Range
Diagnostic X-ray, ultrasound, in-house lab $30,000-$100,000
Surgical Surgery table, anesthesia, monitoring $15,000-$40,000
Exam Rooms Tables, scales, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes $5,000-$15,000/room
Dental Dental unit, x-ray, instruments $10,000-$30,000

Initial Inventory

  • ☐ Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, pain meds, vaccines)
  • ☐ Surgical supplies (sutures, drapes, instruments)
  • ☐ Lab supplies (slides, stains, test kits)
  • ☐ Consumables (syringes, needles, bandages)
  • ☐ Retail products (food, preventatives, supplements)
Pro Tip: Start with essential equipment and add advanced diagnostics as patient volume grows. Many distributors offer financing or lease options.

Phase 3: Technology Setup (1-2 Months Before)

Practice Management Software

Your software choice impacts every aspect of operations. Look for:

  • ☐ Cloud-based access from anywhere
  • ☐ Electronic medical records with templates
  • ☐ Integrated scheduling and reminders
  • ☐ Billing and payment processing
  • ☐ Inventory management
  • ☐ Client portal and online booking
  • ☐ Reporting and analytics

Other Technology

  • ☐ Phone system (VoIP recommended)
  • ☐ Internet service (redundant connection ideal)
  • ☐ Computers/tablets for each workstation
  • ☐ Printers (labels, receipts, documents)
  • ☐ Payment terminals
  • ☐ Security cameras
  • ☐ Website and online presence

Phase 4: Team Building (1-2 Months Before)

Core Positions to Hire

  • ☐ Veterinary technicians/assistants
  • ☐ Receptionist/client service representative
  • ☐ Practice manager (or assume role yourself initially)
  • ☐ Kennel staff (if boarding)

HR Setup

  • ☐ Create employee handbook
  • ☐ Set up payroll system
  • ☐ Define compensation and benefits
  • ☐ Create job descriptions
  • ☐ Develop training protocols

Phase 5: Operations Setup (2-4 Weeks Before)

Clinical Protocols

  • ☐ Vaccination protocols by species
  • ☐ Anesthesia and surgical protocols
  • ☐ Emergency procedures
  • ☐ Controlled substance logging
  • ☐ SOAP note standards
  • ☐ Lab result handling

Administrative Procedures

  • ☐ Appointment scheduling guidelines
  • ☐ Check-in/check-out processes
  • ☐ Payment and billing policies
  • ☐ Medical records release procedures
  • ☐ Cancellation and no-show policies

Pricing

  • ☐ Set exam fees
  • ☐ Price surgical procedures
  • ☐ Create wellness packages
  • ☐ Set medication markups
  • ☐ Configure in software

Phase 6: Marketing Launch (2 Weeks Before - Ongoing)

Online Presence

  • ☐ Launch website with online booking
  • ☐ Claim Google Business Profile
  • ☐ Set up social media accounts
  • ☐ List on veterinary directories
  • ☐ Encourage early reviews from friends/family pets

Local Marketing

  • ☐ Send announcements to local pet businesses
  • ☐ Connect with shelters and rescues
  • ☐ Consider grand opening event
  • ☐ New client promotions

Opening Day Checklist

  • ☐ All licenses displayed
  • ☐ Software configured and tested
  • ☐ Staff trained on systems
  • ☐ Inventory stocked
  • ☐ Equipment tested and calibrated
  • ☐ Emergency contacts posted
  • ☐ Client forms ready
  • ☐ Payment processing tested

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating startup costs: Add 20-30% buffer to your budget
  • Skipping the business plan: You need it for loans and your own clarity
  • Choosing software last: It affects everything—decide early
  • Hiring too fast: One great employee beats three mediocre ones
  • Ignoring marketing: Patients don't appear magically—plan for acquisition
  • No emergency fund: Keep 3-6 months operating expenses in reserve

Opening a veterinary clinic is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and the right systems in place, you can build a thriving practice that serves your community for years to come.