Corporate vs. Privately Owned Veterinary Clinics

When looking to apply to veterinary positions, it can be daunting seeing all the big corporate names splattered across the job listings. How do you know if it is better to apply to these corporations, or if you should instead seek out smaller, locally owned vet clinics?

Here are my thoughts:

Corporations have a wide reach. Names such as Banfield, Blue Pearl, and Pet Partners have hundreds of locations across the country and continue to buy up smaller practices. Today, Banfield, the largest vet practice in the world, has 1,100 practices across the United States and Puerto Rico. With this extensive brand reach comes both pros and cons. Having a large corporation heading a clinic allows for streamlined policies to be in place, such as a starting bonus or other benefits. However, as corporations continue to grow, the drive to meet increased financial goals can become overwhelming to practitioners. I’ve spoken to vets who feel burnt out from the sheer number of clients that corporate clinics demand they treat. These companies can also push sales of products and services, adding to the feeling of exhaustion that many vets face.

On the other hand, locally owned veterinary clinics prioritize client care. Whereas the benefits may be less, and the number of patients may be fewer, private practices have the ability to set their own guidelines and take the time to establish relationships with clients. They can also prioritize employee well-being, as they are not focused on meeting a national quota of patients or sales. Rather, the practice can grow at a healthier pace for both clients and employees.

The question comes down to a personal preference. Do you place more emphasis on the benefits, or is a closer client relationship more important?

If you’re looking to know more about the differences in options, or if your clinic is looking to best position yourself to meet the needs of new recruits, I’m here to help. I’ve been in the recruiting business for more than 30 years, and since 2020, we have submitted  over 600 veterinarians to 240 privately owned clinics. We understand the special requirements of finding the right doctor for private practices, and my team has consistently put our method to work for our clients, resulting in an 88 percent success rate in presenting quality candidates within the first 90 days of the recruitment process. Allow me the chance to explain how we can find the right match for you and your team.