By Shikha D
Some differences between buying and opening a veterinary practice come from operating costs, financing structures, risk, and long-term financial potential.
In 2025, there were 133,475 veterinarians in the United States, with around 75,000 of them having a companion animal practice, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
When you get out of veterinary school, you are probably ready to start a vet practice right away. Before you do so, it’s important to think about whether you want to buy a vet business that’s already running or if you wish to open a brand new business.
Even though it’s a good business to open, there are definitely pros and cons to both sides. Understanding these distinctions helps veterinarians choose the route that best aligns with their goals, resources, and risk tolerance.
Buying a Veterinary Practice
Buying an existing practice typically involves a larger upfront purchase price, but it also comes with immediate revenue. Established clinics already have a client base, staff, equipment, and operational systems in place; this means income can begin right away, which can help offset loan payments and operating costs.
If you are looking to borrow money for your practice, then lenders are more open to giving money to a practice that’s already running and has an established paying clientele.
Starting a Veterinary Practice
Starting a veterinary practice from the ground up often requires a lower initial purchase price but involves significant startup expenses. Costs include:
- Leasing or buying property
- Renovating the space
- Purchasing equipment
- Hiring staff
- Investing in marketing
Even though these expenses can add up quickly, at least when you open your own practice, you have a say in how things are set up from the get-go. You can design the clinic layout, choose modern equipment, and build a brand that reflects your vision.
Here’s a great guide on opening a veterinary practice in 2026.
Some Differences Between the Two
As you can see, there are definitely pros and cons to both sides of the equation. Here are some more factors to consider:
Operating Costs
Existing practices may have established supplier relationships, negotiated rates, and experienced staff, which can help control expenses; however, they could have outdated equipment or inefficient processes. All of this will require time and resources to update and bring up to par.
New practices, on the other hand, can implement efficient systems from the start but may initially face higher costs due to smaller purchasing volumes and less favorable supplier terms.
Financing Structures
Loans for purchasing an existing practice are often based on the clinic’s historical performance, while startup loans rely more heavily on the owner’s personal financial profile and business plan.
Financing a startup can be more challenging, particularly for those without significant savings or a strong credit history. It might be a good idea for you to get a family member to sign on the loan with you so that you can get a better interest rate.
Risk
Buying an established practice generally carries less uncertainty because there is a proven business model and customer base. It also means inheriting any existing issues, such as declining client numbers or outdated systems. You will want to carefully look through all the numbers in advance before signing on the dotted line.
Starting a new practice involves greater uncertainty but offers the opportunity to build a business tailored to current market demands and personal preferences. Any mistakes or successes in the business will be completely yours, which means that you can improve on them as you desire.
Long-Term Financial Potential
An established practice may provide steady income and gradual growth, while a startup has the potential for higher returns if it scales successfully. Of course, this isn’t always the case. If you don’t have good business sense, you could have a startup that stutters and falls to the ground soon after.
Owners who build a practice from the ground up may also benefit from increased equity as the business grows in value.
The point here is that neither way is better than the other. You have to look at your own circumstances and figure out which fits your lifestyle, skill set, and situation better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Business Skills that a Vet Should Have?
Even though vet school does have a bit of a curriculum around business skills, it still isn’t enough. A lot of your business acumen will come on the job, as you navigate the day-to-day of the vet practice.
Some skills you should think about developing over time are:
- Communication skills
- Negotiation skills
- Financial acumen
- Accounting skills
- Marketing skills
If you aren’t good at any of these or you feel like someone else would do better, don’t balk at hiring an expert, especially for SEO marketing and Google local ads.
How to Create Buzz Around Your Veterinary Practice?
One of the biggest ways your vet practice will have people excited about becoming your clients is when you use social media to create a social media sensation. You can use TikTok videos or Instagram reels to speak more about the office staff or your culture.
Do funny videos or share images of the pets you’ve treated (with permission, of course) to bring more people to your door. As you get the buzz going, people will start sharing information about your vet practice with friends and family, and you will have an influx of great customers banging down your door.
That’s the ideal situation, but it will take time to get there. A lot of effort on your end is crucial.
A Vet Practice Is a Good Business to Open
Don’t feel anxious about opening a veterinary practice now that you’ve read all the pros and cons. Even though there are key financial differences between the two, one way isn’t better than the other. You will have to gauge for yourself which path works best.
Purchasing an existing clinic offers immediate income and lower initial risk but requires a higher upfront investment. Starting a new practice provides flexibility and control but demands careful planning and patience to achieve profitability.
Please check out related articles on our website for more interesting content.
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