Pulse - May 2022 - 19

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
If you want to have your
own house call practice,
but you don't know
anything about business,
please know that you
absolutely CAN still do
this on your own, and
there is so much support
for you out there as well.
This is the second article in a three-part series about
House Call and Mobile Vet Practice! (If you missed the
first article, check it out here: Why Everyone is Flocking
to House Call & Mobile Practice https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/scvma/pulse_202204/index.php)
treat
a cat with diabetes, do a dental on a rabbit, or do any of
the things we do routinely as doctors... you absolutely can
learn to be a successful business owner.
2. Start Planning Now - Don't wait until you feel " ready "
to start the planning process! Building a practice and getting
the word out takes TIME. You won't have a line of folks waiting
to work with you the very day you decide to open your
practice...unless you plan well in advance. And trust me, I
know how uncomfortable it can feel getting started and filing
paperwork before you're ready to open up. But I've seen
it repeatedly; those who start months or years in advance are
the most successful.
3. Pick a Name - The next thing to do is decide on a practice
name and, if applicable to your business structure, obtain
your DBA (Doing Business As) which allows you to legally
engage in business under the name of your practice. Double
check that your practice name is unique and is not one that
already exists. It's best to pick a name that expresses compassion
while complying with relevant local regulations.
4. Find out your Federal and State (or Provincial)
Requirements -
Obtain a local business license, DEA
license, and equivalent licensing and permitting in your state
so you can legally open your practice. Contact your state
board and check your state or provincial practice act for other
specific requirements. Be sure to check local DEA laws and
start controlled substance logs if you will be carrying those.
5. Surround Yourself with Expertise - Find a CPA and/
or bookkeeper to handle accounting, tax-selection, Employer
PULSE
MAY 2022
Identification Number decisions for your business. You'll also
want to work with an attorney to help you decide on a business
structure (which varies by state), draft/customize consent
paperwork, etc...
6. Open Accounts - Open accounts for business checking,
local pet crematory (if applicable), & at least one vendor from
which to purchase your initial order of supplies, & equipment.
It can be very overwhelming getting to know about
the different vendors. But try not to worry too much about
which vendors are best at first. Your practice will likely grow,
and you will explore different vendors over time and find
out which ones best suit your needs.
7. Prioritize Sustainability - Last but definitely not least,
make sure to take care of yourself emotionally & physically.
Set clear boundaries, have a plan for self-care, & find a supportive
community of like-minded veterinarians. And don't
forget to treat yourself! Remember, you don't have to do
things the hard way. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.
There is a lot of help and support out there to help you get
started. Just reach out. The house call vet world is filled with
many awesome, helpful, and kind people!
I wish you the best of luck with your new business. Humans &
animals everywhere need you... you got this! P
Dr. Eve Harrison is a full-time concierge house call veterinarian in Los Angeles.
She is the founder of the online CE course www.TheHouseCallVetAcademy.com
& offers coaching to help veterinarians nourish not only their
patients, but themselves... guiding them to find freedom by building profitable
& sustainable house call practices of their own.
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/scvma/pulse_202204/index.php https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/scvma/pulse_202204/index.php http://www.TheHouseCallVetAcademy.com http://www.TheHouseCallVetAcademy.com

Pulse - May 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pulse - May 2022