New corporate practice GoodVets focuses on shared ownership, strong leadership skills

GoodVets is a relatively new chain of veterinary practices that promises a minority stake to “veterinary business partners” (entrepreneurial veterinarians who want to start a practice with lower financial risk). The company has six practices (or is looking to start them) in three metro areas—Chicago, Kansas City and soon to be Nashville.

One of the biggest differences between GoodVets and other veterinary practice groups, according to CEO Ryan Joseph, is a recruiting strategy that helps ensure veterinarians are a cultural fit. The company looks for people who not only are focused on high-quality medicine but also are inspired to learn leadership skills and build strong workplace culture in the practices.

“When we talk to veterinarians, they don’t believe we exist,” Joseph says, noting the company’s focus on practice autonomy and ground-up, branded startups. And, yes, while every GoodVets is prominently marketed as a GoodVets practice, exteriors and hospital decor are designed to carefully fit the local feel (see photos).

The reception area at GoodVets in Chicago reflects two elements of its West Loop surroundings: the look of old warehouses and the new luxury loft condos that mix with them. Photos courtesy of GoodVets.

Reception area décor at GoodVets in Chicago tries to match the Streeterville neighborhood’s look of luxury residential high-rises.

The GoodVets exterior in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, showcases boarding and a mural celebrating nearby Longview Lake.

Exact ownership details are personalized to each veterinary business partner, according to Joseph, so curious future veterinary practice owners can inquire at good-vets.com.