So you want to start a veterinary practice

Photo: Shutterstock.comBefore you start with assessing a potential start-up practice, you have to first assess the most important part of this entire process: you, the start-up dreaming veterinary professional. To fully assess yourself to find out if you've got what it takes to take on a start-up practice, you need to address some key factors on what makes you (and this dream), you. Here are some factors you should take into account when analyzing yourself.

Personal traits

It seems like you're already the type of person to dream on, but are you truly ready to fly solo? There are definitely signs to show you whether or not you're ready to take the plunge to become a practice owner, but starting a practice from scratch is no easy task. There will be highs, lows and problems thrown at you-good or bad-without warning. It's time to take a moment to ask yourself: Do I have what it takes?

Financial resources and stability

For instance, what does it cost to start a practice? Let's be real here-no veterinary professional has money. But there are still some important factors you should keep in mind during this part of your self-assessment. Let's figure out if this is beyond your financial reach.

Medical and surgical competency

This is mostly for younger veterinarians to sort out for themselves. You don't want to take on a start-up if you're still trying to get comfortable with medical protocols and surgery. Realistically, you need experience-at least three to five years out of school-and confidence with no one around for you to ask for help.

Why do you want to do this?

This isn't something that we can steer you toward, tell you about or even try to convince you of. This is something at the heart of who you are and what you want to do. Whether it's to be your own boss, create your own vision of practice or even just to take more control over your financial freedom, you have your core reasons for wanting to go through the process of starting a practice for yourself. Take a moment to go over your affirmations, high-five yourself and get going with the rest of the practice start-up.