8 steps to take before buying a Veterinary practice.

1. Expand your network.

Once you have narrowed down the location where you’d like to establish your practice, reach out to supply companies, veterinary-focused accountants and a small business banking specialist. They all may know vets who are approaching retirement age or who might consider adding an associate interested in purchasing their practice.

Early on, when you start discussions with a practice owner, confidentiality is critical. You can expect to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect both parties’ financial and personal information, and to avoid raising patient and staff concerns.

2. Develop a budget.

From student loans to living expenses, preparing a budget helps you determine your personal expenses and how much you’ll need to earn from your practice. In addition to your salary, the net income from your practice will need to cover the loan payment for your practice as well. Altogether, your budget information will help inform what size practice you look for.

There are additional considerations you may need to factor in, though, depending on your situation. For example, you may ask the original vet to stay on to help ease the transition and retain patients. If so, how will he or she be compensated? It can help to share your budget with your banker as you explore financial options.

3. Use the resources of the existing staff.

When you purchase an existing practice, you are also acquiring its support staff, including billing staff and others. These professionals not only help ease the transition for current patients but also maintain an understanding of the business systems used to operate the practice. The institutional knowledge they share can be invaluable to your long-term success.

4. Visit.

Every veterinary practice, from its staff to its patient flow, is different. That’s why it’s important to get a first-hand look at any practice whose purchase you are seriously considering. Be sure to pay a visit in person.

You’ll also want to find out how many patients have visited the office over the past 18 months and get a sense for whether the practice is appropriately staffed. Patient flow, like cash flow, provides insight into whether a practice is growing, stable or shrinking. A shrinking practice may not necessarily be a deal-breaker if you’re able to identify untapped opportunities for growth.

5. Review all financials.

Before making an offer, take time to investigate whether the practice is a good investment. Seek the advice of professionals with a history of valuing and financing these kinds of transactions, like a small business banking specialist. They will review financial statements, tax returns and other records and compare the practice’s finances with national benchmarks.

6. Determine your offer.

Your financial offer is only one of many details that must be agreed upon when you purchase a practice. There are also property, equipment & staff considerations, transition details and more. But your financial offer is the best place to start. Because emotions can run high – especially if the owner thinks the practice is worth more than the financial records support – it is best to make an “offer to purchase” through a third-party professional.

With a financial agreement in place, both you and the seller will be more motivated to negotiate the other details.

7. Owner-financing may be risky.

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll need to obtain any financing required to complete the purchase. If the selling veterinarian offers to self-finance the purchase, proceed with caution. A seller has less incentive to bring in a knowledgeable third-party to assess the veterinary practice valuation or asking price. After all, the sale will likely finance the seller’s retirement, which could make him or her more invested in getting a certain result.

Many vets find that their bank provides a more neutral route to financing. Your banker will ask for several documents to support your loan application: tax returns for the previous two years, a statement of your net worth and a copy of your veterinary license and resume, for starters.

From the seller, your lender will want a copy of the practice valuation, along with tax returns, profit and loss statements, and depreciation details. The practice business plan, budget and patient count may also be requested.

8. The real estate purchase or lease negotiation is a separate transaction.

Your purchase of the practice is a separate transaction from the purchase or lease of the veterinary office. Be forewarned: your lender will require a lease – including extensions or renewal options – equal to the term of the loan.

Your banker can be of great help with real estate considerations as well. As with every part of the acquisition process, the key is to involve them early. They have a vested interest in helping you succeed.

The process of buying a veterinary practice can be a bit daunting, but by doing your due diligence, you’ll be more likely to line up a practice purchase that works for you. Just remember to seek help early, assess the value and health of the practice and make sure your financial needs are met as well.