🐶 Found your new fur-ever home? 6-point checklist to be sure

Picture this: you walk into a clinic where everyone greets you by name, laughter echoes between consults, and you feel a quiet sense of belonging before you’ve even unpacked your stethoscope. That’s the kind of environment every veterinary professional deserves, one that matches your values, pace, and passion for care.

Finding your “fur-ever home” in your career isn’t just luck. It comes from knowing what to look for and trusting what you notice. From teamwork and mentorship to how stress and success are shared, the right practice culture sets the tone for how you’ll grow, thrive, and feel each day. Here’s how to tell when a clinic is truly right for you…

FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE

1. Ask About Turnover – and Listen Carefully

A clinic’s turnover rate can tell you a lot about what it’s really like to work there. Some movement is natural, especially in busy urban clinics or fast-growing practices, but a steady stream of departures can be a warning sign. How the practice talks about turnover – and whether they are open and honest about it – can reveal more than the numbers themselves.

It’s worth asking gently about how long people tend to stay and what usually keeps them around. Pay close attention to how they respond. Confident, positive answers tend to come easily when a team is genuinely happy…while vague or overly polished replies can suggest that not everything behind the scenes runs as smoothly as it should. Trust your instincts – sometimes it’s not what’s said, but the way it’s said, that gives you the clearest picture.

Sample Question:
How long do most people usually stay here? What makes them want to stick around?

When I interviewed at my current practice, the manager didn’t just tell me people stayed a long time…she introduced me to two nurses who had been there for over ten years. That spoke louder than any polished answer could have. – Emily S, Veterinarian, Austin, USA

2. Pay Attention to How the Team Interacts With Each Other

The formal interview gives you one view of a clinic, but what happens outside the interview room often tells the real story. Watching how people interact during a clinic tour, a shadowing session, or even while you’re waiting in reception can give you an honest glimpse of the day-to-day atmosphere.

Notice the small things. Do vets, nurses, and client care teams seem relaxed and engaged? Are conversations easy and genuine, or do you sense tension beneath the surface?

Body language, tone of voice, and the little unguarded moments can all give you valuable insights into how people truly feel about working together…and whether this is an environment where you could feel comfortable and supported.

Sample Observation Tip:
Look for spontaneous smiles, easy collaboration, and the way people respond when things don’t go exactly to plan – those moments often reveal more than any official introduction ever could.

Everyone was friendly when I came for my interview, but what really stood out was how the nurses joked with each other between cases and how quickly someone jumped in when a colleague needed help. You can’t fake that kind of teamwork. – Sophie T, Veterinary Nurse, Christchurch, New Zealand

3. Probe Beyond “We’re Like a Family” Statements

Hearing that a practice feels “like a family” can sound reassuring at first…but it’s worth digging a little deeper to find out what that really means. Sometimes “family” signals strong support, loyalty, and genuine care. Other times, it can hint at blurred boundaries, resistance to change, or even a culture where cliques and favoritism can quietly take hold.

When someone describes the clinic as a family, it’s a good opportunity to ask what that looks like in day-to-day life. Are there regular team events? Is support offered when someone is struggling? Is decision-making inclusive, or does the same small group seem to hold all the influence?

The way they answer and the examples they give can help you separate comforting phrases from genuine practice culture. Authenticity shows when actions match the words.

Sample Question:
You mentioned it feels like a family – what’s that actually like day-to-day?

They told me the team was like a family, but what made me say yes was hearing how they rallied around when one of the vets had a health scare. It wasn’t just words…they had real systems in place to step up and support each other. – Laura M, Veterinary Surgeon, Birmingham, UK

4. Understand How Feedback and Growth Are Handled

A strong practice culture doesn’t just focus on day-to-day operations – it invests in the growth and development of its people. Whether it’s offering regular feedback, supporting continuing education, or helping team members step into new roles, a healthy workplace is one where learning and improvement are part of the rhythm.

When you ask about professional growth, listen for specifics. Do they talk about regular performance reviews and mentorship programs, or do they seem vague and unsure? Strong practices usually have clear pathways for learning and supporting their staff. If answers feel vague or defensive, it may signal limited investment in development. Clear examples, on the other hand, show genuine commitment.

Sample Question:
How do you usually help people here build new skills or grow in their roles?

When I asked about growth opportunities, the manager paused for a long time and said, “Well, we encourage people to take initiative if they want to.” It felt like there wasn’t much real support behind the idea…and later I found out there was no official mentorship or CE program at all. – Jordan L, Veterinary Technician, Toronto, Canada

5. Assess How They Handle Stress and Conflict

Even the best clinics face stressful days. Emergencies stack up, a critical patient takes a sudden turn, or unexpected staff shortages stretch everyone thin. How a practice handles pressure – and how they support each other when things get tough – can tell you a lot about the real strength of their culture.

When you ask about stressful situations, you’re not looking for perfection – you’re looking for a team that pulls together when it counts. Look for signs that communication stays open, that leadership steps in to support rather than blame, and that people have each other’s backs when it counts.

Sample Question:
What’s a tough day like here, and how does everyone usually handle it?

I asked about how the team handles stress, and the practice manager said, “We just get through it as best we can.” It didn’t sound like there was much real teamwork or leadership support. I ended up choosing a different clinic where the whole team talked openly about how they support each other through the hard days. – Ryan P, Emergency Veterinarian, Melbourne, Australia

6. Look for Signs of Real Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is one of the most talked-about topics in veterinary careers today…and with good reason. Long hours, emotional fatigue, and unpredictable schedules can take a heavy toll if boundaries aren’t respected. Many practices promise flexibility, but it’s worth seeing how those promises hold up day-to-day.

During conversations and interviews, ask how shifts are structured, how after-hours coverage is managed, and what happens when someone needs unexpected time off. Listen for signs that the practice genuinely supports personal time – not just on paper, but in how they talk about it and how they back each other up.

And a team that treats time off with respect usually treats its people with respect too, so that’s well worth exploring in more detail.

Sample Question:
When it gets busy, how do you all make sure people still get some time to recharge?

When I asked about work-life balance, they didn’t just say it was a priority. They actually showed me the schedule and how they built in regular downtime. It made it feel real, not just something they said because it sounds good. – Hannah R, Veterinary Nurse, Manchester, UK

Closing Thoughts…

Your next role should give you more than a paycheck; it should offer purpose, connection, and space to grow. When you take time to observe, ask thoughtful questions, and listen between the lines, you’re not just choosing a job. You’re shaping the kind of professional life that sustains you for years to come.

Trust your instincts, value what matters most to you, and look for those small but powerful signs that a team genuinely cares. The right clinic will recognize not only your skill but your spirit, and when you find that match, you’ll know you’ve found your fur-ever home.

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