Mobile practice has many benefits, but getting started is more than just buying a vehicle. Before launching into mobile, you need to think through your business model, services, market, finances, regulations, equipment, and clinic. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you get started in mobile veterinary practice.
1. Decide What Kind of Mobile Veterinary Practice You Want
This is your chance to determine what kind of care you want to provide. Mobile veterinary practice brings care directly to clients, and there are many kinds of services to offer:
- General practice
- Preventive/wellness/dentistry
- Senior pet care
- Hospice and euthanasia
- Community outreach
- Rural communities
- Multi-pet households
- In-home/mobile appointments
- Specialty services where appropriate
- Corporate wellness partnerships
- Mobile extension of an existing practice
All in all, your mobile veterinary clinic should support your business model.
2. Research Your Market
How far do pet owners in your area have to travel to get care, and how many veterinary practices are in your current service radius? When you research your market right, you may identify potential gaps and opportunities that your mobile practice may be able to fill. Consider these factors when doing market research:
- Geography
- Potential client base
- Drive times
- Local competition
- Areas lacking convenient veterinary access
- Types of services clients need
3. Create a Mobile Veterinary Business Plan
A mobile practice is a business and requires a solid business plan. When working on your business plan, consider the following.
- Startup budget
- Pricing
- Expected appointment volume
- Service area
- Operating expenses
- Staffing
- Marketing
- Financing
Curious about potential profit, startup costs, revenue ranges, break-even timing, and financing paths for a mobile practice? Check out our Profit Calculator, and the Mobile Veterinary Clinic ROI & Startup Blueprint to learn more!
4. Understand Licensing and Regulatory Requirements
Make sure your business is in compliance with all requirements and regulations. Regulations may vary by state and jurisdiction, and veterinarians will need to verify their specific requirements.
5. Determine What Your Mobile Clinic Needs
When you take your practice mobile, you get to envision and decide what your clinic needs. Consider the services you will provide, as well as workflow, before planning for equipment.
Questions to consider:
- How many people will work inside your clinic?
- What procedures will be performed?
- What equipment requires power?
- How much storage is needed?
- What does patient flow look like?
Have an idea of what you’re looking for? Find a mobile clinic that fits your practice needs, workflow, and services. While you’re at it, take a look at equipment options to support your mobile business, from standard clinic fixtures to optional surgical, imaging, and dental packages.
6. Explore Mobile Veterinary Clinic Financing
You do not need perfect credit or a purchase decision today. Explore financing and leasing pathways built specifically for people working in the mobile veterinary industry. Check out financing and leasing options at Wag’n Tails or schedule a call with a member of our team to learn more about your options.
7. Build Your Brand and Launch Plan
This is the exciting part! How do you want to be known in your community, online, and in your field? Take some time to plan, envision, and set up the following.
- Business name
- Branding
- Website
- Google Business Profile
- Social media
- Referral partners
- Community outreach
- Launch timeline
New to building your brand? Check out branding services at Wag’n Tails to see how we can help you design your logo and ensure your mobile clinic advertises for you.
8. Start Building Your Plan Before You’re Ready to Leave Your Job
We get it. You probably didn’t go to vet school to reach a corporate quota. You might have loans, a non-compete, and may not have savings sitting around. If you’re not ready to “quit tomorrow,” but still dream of practicing on your terms, in your own clinic, on your schedule, there’s still hope. Check out this three-year plan you can build quietly, one deliberate step at a time, while you’re still collecting a paycheck. And when the time is right, we’ll be here.
Thinking about mobile practice? Explore Wag’n Tails veterinary clinics and start building the plan before you build the vehicle.
