There’s a moment in nearly every veterinary practice where things start to feel tight. Consults are booked solid, weekends are full, the team is stretched, and the idea of growing starts to flicker. It might be a bigger team, more space, or even a second location, but before you dive in, it’s worth pausing to ask… growth toward what?

Not all growth is good growth. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. The smartest practice leaders take time to understand what they truly want, and what kind of growth will support that vision. This isn’t about business plans or budget forecasts (that comes next). This is the groundwork. The real work. Here are seven essential checkpoints to help you figure out whether growth is the right move, the right fit, and the right time…

The veterinary professionals landing the best telehealth positions right now aren’t just clinically excellent – they’re the ones who recognized this career shift early and positioned themselves strategically. While many of your peers are still wondering if telehealth is “real,” smart veterinary professionals are already securing remote roles with companies like Televet and GuardianVets, plus opportunities with independent practices integrating telehealth to better serve their communities. These aren’t experimental positions anymore – they’re established career paths with employers of all sizes actively seeking the right candidates.

You already have the clinical foundation that telehealth employers desperately need, but the window for early-mover advantage is narrowing. From solo practitioners expanding their reach to multi-location clinics streamlining follow-up care, veterinary practices across the spectrum are discovering that telehealth capabilities give them competitive advantages their clients value. The veterinary professionals who understand this trajectory and build these skills now will have their pick of opportunities as the market expands…

The compensation landscape has fundamentally changed, and many veterinary professionals are missing it entirely. Here’s what’s actually happening: new graduates are landing $130,000 starting salaries with 61% getting signing bonuses, and experienced associates are working 7% fewer hours while earning 4% more. And forward-thinking practice owners have stopped participating in the old salary-versus-production debate entirely.

This isn’t just a market adjustment…it’s a fundamental shift in how the smartest practices think about paying you. They’re implementing equity stakes that build real wealth, team bonuses that reward collaboration over competition, or guaranteed salaries that let you focus on patient care instead of productivity spreadsheets.

While many in the profession are still debating whether ProSal is fair, these practices pose a completely different question: How do we reward people so well that they never want to leave? Understanding these emerging models now will give you a massive advantage in your career progression.

Protecting your team from burnout directly impacts your practice’s profitability, patient care quality, and long-term success. You already understand that your veterinary professionals are your most valuable investment. When they’re energized and engaged, everything from client satisfaction to case outcomes improves dramatically. The practices thriving right now aren’t just managing burnout; they’re preventing it entirely through strategic planning and smart operational choices.

You have the expertise to spot clinical issues in your patients within minutes. The same diagnostic skills apply to your team’s well-being. Successful practice owners and managers across the USA, Australia, and UK have shared their proven strategies for keeping teams healthy and motivated. Here’s what works…

You already bring skill, care, and commitment to every patient and every shift. But even the most dedicated veterinary professionals can hit a point where routine sets in and career momentum starts to plateau. The good news? There’s a smarter way to spark that next phase of your growth without burning out or spinning your wheels.

Whether you’re a recent grad keen to stand out, or a seasoned nurse or technician thinking about leadership, practice ownership or even a specialty path, there are practical ways to shape the career you want. Ready to get more from your career? Start here, with seven proven moves that will help you take real steps forward, on your terms…

You’re building more than a veterinary team, you’re building your practice’s future. And that future depends on understanding and engaging the next wave of professionals: Millennials and Gen Z. These generations are already reshaping how veterinary care is delivered, how teams collaborate, and how clinics thrive. If you want your practice to grow sustainably, the key isn’t just hiring younger professionals, it’s aligning with what they value most.

As a practice leader, you already know the cost of disengagement and turnover. What you may not fully realize is how quickly generational expectations are shifting. The good news? You don’t have to guess. We’ve gathered real insights from veterinary professionals across the globe, including your peers in our community, to help you create a workplace where today’s emerging talent wants to stay, grow, and lead…

Running a veterinary practice today means juggling higher client expectations, tight margins, and teams that deserve to be nurtured but may not be completely satisfied with their lot. As the leader, you’re the one steering through that complexity; without a true north, even the most committed groups can lose their bearings. A clear sense of purpose cuts through the fog – reminding everyone why the work matters and turning tough calls into quick, confident decisions. And it’s called Purpose-driven Leadership.

Explore what Purpose-driven Leadership looks like in action – and the practical wins you can unlock in your practice – without a hint of consultant jargon. Ready to put purpose to work and achieve even more meaningful success?

You’ve already built strong veterinary skills and gained valuable experience in your current role. Now you’re ready to expand those capabilities while exploring new places and cultures around the world. Travel-integrated veterinary opportunities offer you the chance to advance your clinical expertise, build an impressive international resume, and satisfy your wanderlust all at once. These experiences can fit any schedule, from week-long missions and short-term projects to extended sabbaticals and career transitions.

Your veterinary background opens doors to incredible travel experiences that most professionals never access. From disaster relief missions that sharpen your emergency skills to international fellowship programs that expose you to exotic species and cutting-edge techniques, these opportunities transform both your career trajectory and personal growth. The veterinary professionals who take this path consistently report enhanced job satisfaction, expanded professional networks, and accelerated career advancement when they return home.

You’ve built a successful veterinary practice through dedication, clinical excellence, and smart business decisions. Now, keeping your talented team members happy and engaged is one of your most important investments, and it doesn’t require a massive budget or complicated HR programs. The best retention strategies often start with simple, authentic gestures that show your team they’re valued partners in your practice’s success.

Smart practice owners know that team stability directly impacts profitability, client satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. When your veterinarians, nurses, and technicians feel supported and appreciated, they naturally deliver better patient care and create the positive atmosphere that keeps clients coming back. We’ve gathered proven strategies from practices across the Veterinary Jobs Marketplace network, each one adaptable whether you’re running a small clinic or managing multiple locations…