How To

Veterinary medicine is changing fast. New technologies and shifting attitudes towards animal care are opening doors to exciting career paths for vets and vet techs alike. From data science to innovative therapies, our profession’s future is full of opportunity.

Ready to explore what’s next? We’ve identified seven cutting-edge roles that are reshaping veterinary practice. Whether you’re fresh out of school or a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge, these emerging careers offer ways to make a real difference in animal health and welfare.

Ever thought about using big data to spot disease trends before they become outbreaks? Or helping injured pets recover with state-of-the-art rehab techniques? The future of vet med is full of surprising opportunities. Your perfect career fit might be one you haven’t even heard of yet.

The veterinary landscape is evolving rapidly. While corporate consolidation has dominated headlines for years, a different trend is gaining momentum: the rise of de novo veterinary practices.

The term “de novo” (Latin for “anew” or “from the beginning”) represents more than just starting a new clinic—it embodies a fresh approach to veterinary medicine. These practices aren’t simply new buildings; they’re reimagined models for delivering veterinary services that reflect contemporary best practices, innovative environments, and forward-thinking approaches tailored to meet the evolving expectations of both clients and patients.

As pet ownership continues to surge globally and client expectations shift, de novo practices are emerging as a direct market-driven response to group consolidation. After years of aggressive corporate acquisition, this consolidation is now slowing and plateauing—both as buying opportunities diminish and as the market increasingly demands more personalized and distinctive care options beyond standardized corporate offerings. De novo models are filling this gap with tailored approaches to veterinary care. Additionally, financial institutions have developed more sophisticated funding models specifically designed for these ground-up ventures, recognizing their potential for strong returns and market impact. Could this revolutionary approach be your next strategic advantage?

In our fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, standing out is no longer just an option – it’s a necessity. For veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary technicians alike, crafting a personal brand has become a powerful tool to navigate and thrive as you seek to advance your veterinary career. Personal branding is more than just a buzzword; it’s about creating a visible, unique identity that reflects your skills, values, and professional journey.

Explore the essential elements of building a personal brand, from creating an impressive online presence to effective networking and proudly displaying your professional accomplishments. Whether you’re a seasoned veterinarian, a skilled veterinary nurse, or a passionate veterinary technician, our guide provides you with the tools and inspiration to craft a personal brand that opens doors to new opportunities and professional growth. It’s time to take the initiative and start building your personal brand today…

Whether you are building a new practice from the ground up or approaching a new role where practice management is a key element, ensuring a positive culture is critical to your success.  Your practice culture will be reflected in your team’s attitudes and, in turn, how your clients and patients feel when they interact with your team. Taking the time to build positivity into your business practices will pay huge dividends. Here are 6 proven strategies and tactics to get you started… 

Telehealth has emerged as a fascinating career option, capturing the interest of many within the veterinary field. Yet, despite its growing buzz, many professionals are still unclear about what telehealth truly entails and the specific skills and experience required to thrive in this domain. Encompassing helpful advice from our Community Members, explore the path toward a telehealth career, and gain a clear understanding and practical guidance tailored to veterinarians, veterinary nurses, technicians, and practice owners too. Join us as we uncover the essential elements of telehealth and provide a roadmap for a successful transition into this innovative and dynamic veterinary career path…

Finding and attracting exceptional veterinary talent feels harder than ever. Practice owners tell us they lie awake at night wondering how to build their dream team. Sound familiar? The good news is, we’ve uncovered what really matters to top veterinary professionals when they’re choosing their next role. After connecting with thousands of candidates and practices, three key factors consistently stand out as deal-makers (or breakers). Whether you’re looking to welcome a new vet, nurse, or tech to your practice family, understanding these essential elements will transform your ability to attract the right people. Let’s explore what makes outstanding veterinary professionals choose one practice over another…

Let’s be honest – finding exceptional veterinary talent feels a bit like trying to catch lightning in a bottle these days, doesn’t it? With practices everywhere competing for the same pool of qualified professionals, even small missteps in your hiring process could mean watching that perfect candidate slip away to another clinic. But before you start wondering if you’ll ever fill that crucial position on your team, take a deep breath – we’ve identified the most common hiring pitfalls that might be holding you back.

After working with thousands of veterinary practices and analyzing successful hiring strategies across the industry, we’ve pinpointed exactly where many recruitment efforts go wrong – and more importantly, how to fix them. Whether you’re struggling with a current vacancy or planning ahead for future growth, we’re about to show you how to transform your hiring process from frustrating to fantastic. Ready to stop accidentally sabotaging your recruitment efforts and start attracting the top-tier talent your practice deserves? Let’s dive in…

Talking about salary negotiations often feels intimidating, especially for those of us who ventured into veterinary medicine driven by compassion rather than numbers. Yet fair compensation plays a key part in creating a supportive atmosphere for everyone—clinicians, clients, and the practice as a whole. When both sides benefit, a healthier dynamic emerges, where professional growth and patient care go hand in hand.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a straightforward, well-prepared approach that makes discussing pay far less daunting than you might think. By following the steps outlined here, you’ll learn to present your value in a way that resonates with your employer, ensuring that both your career goals and the practice’s success remain at the forefront. It’s a conversation that can open doors for everyone involved, and especially when you have these steps to follow…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape veterinary care, bringing both exciting possibilities and important questions to the field. While you may not have encountered AI directly in your daily practice yet, its influence on animal healthcare is growing rapidly. From analyzing medical records to enhancing diagnostics, AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in veterinary medicine.

This technology offers the potential for more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved patient monitoring. However, it also raises concerns about data privacy and the balance between technological advancement and the irreplaceable human touch in veterinary care.

AI is transforming various aspects of veterinary medicine, impacting different roles within the field, and shaping the future of animal health. The changing landscape of veterinary care could significantly affect you and your patients, making it crucial to understand these developments and their implications…