Consolidation is reshaping veterinary medicine, and independent practices often feel that pressure most acutely – from competing for talent to holding onto loyal clients. Remaining independent is both a point of pride and a challenge.
The good news? You don’t have to go “corporate” to stay competitive. By adapting a few proven strategies to fit your unique culture and resources, independents can protect what makes them special while running a smarter, stronger business.
Here are a few ways independent veterinary practices think like a corporate entity whilr maintaining the values and culture that make them unique:
1. Smooth operations, every day
Corporate groups lean on predictability – and while your hospital doesn’t need a rigid rulebook, adopting a few consistent workflows can take stress off your team and keep client care seamless. Think of these not as red tape but as tools that make daily life smoother.
When designing standard operating procedures (SOPs), leave some room for exceptions, judgment calls, and hospital growth. Apply standards to operational areas with a history of bottlenecks and inefficiencies, such as appointment flow, record-keeping, or inventory management. Use your SOPs to train new team members and ensure a consistently positive client experience.
2. Running the numbers like a pro
Independent owners wear every hat – doctor, manager, financial decision-maker – and unlike corporate groups, you don’t have a back office of analysts. But that doesn’t mean financial stability is out of reach.
Knowing your numbers and setting goals is a strategy anyone can adopt. Use your practice management software to pull reports and review critical metrics. Invest in leadership training and development for owners and managers, then set aside time to work toward business goals. Alternatively, try delegating operational tasks to another leadership team member or a third-party consultant with veterinary expertise and hands-on experience.
3. Training, mentorship, and real career paths
Corporate groups are known to offer clear advancement tracks, but independents can create something more personal – growth opportunities that reflect each team member’s strengths and passions.
Semi-structured training, feedback, and mentorship during onboarding set the stage for a long-term relationship, but development is an ongoing process. Provide team members with CE opportunities, cross-training, or a path to leadership, but remember that not everyone is meant for management. Encourage team members to pursue their interests, which can foster loyalty and make your practice a place where people want to build their careers.
4. Modern tech with practical impact
Big groups often push new technology, but the larger the group, the longer it can take to implement and adapt to changes. Independents have the advantage of agility – you can choose and implement tools that make an immediate difference for your team.
Modern technology should save time and reduce stress. Cloud-based practice management systems simplify daily tasks like reminders, invoicing, scheduling, charting, and financial reporting through automation, intuitive navigation, and integrated third-party app functionality.
5. Leaning into your local advantage
No one can replicate the trust you’ve built in your community. Lean into that local connection, and keep clients closely bonded with the clinic by hosting educational events, supporting local shelters and rescues, participating in pet-related events, or partnering with neighborhood businesses to reinforce your position as the go-to practice.
Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing and client loyalty. While other brands may dominate digital ad space, your community knows your clinic and values your presence.
6. Independent, but not alone
Staying independent doesn’t have to mean going it alone. You can join forces with others to enjoy the benefits of group buying, financial advice, human resources tools, leadership coaching, CE, and peer-to-peer connections that hospitals outside of these networks may miss.
Check out the following groups to get started:
- Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA)
- The Veterinary Cooperative
- Veterinary Management Group
- Veterinary Growth Partners
Key takeaways
- Independent veterinary practice ownership is one of many unique business models in the veterinary space, with each occupying an important niche.
- Independent practices can compete with larger groups by adapting corporate strategies to their needs.
- Community involvement, flexibility, and culture are key advantages that independent practices should nurture.
- Joining buying groups or independent hospital alliances can offer the support of a larger network without sacrificing autonomy.
Support for independent practices
Our cloud-based practice management software system supports modern veterinary practices with the flexibility needed to stay competitive across all practice models. Our cloud-based, customizable software helps you operate more efficiently, regardless of size.
Contact us to schedule a demo and learn firsthand how Provet can help.
