Starting Your Own Veterinary Practice in the UK

O"There’s nothing quite as exciting—or as rewarding—as starting your own veterinary practice. It’s an opportunity to shape your professional future, build lasting relationships with clients and their pets, and deliver care exactly the way you believe it should be done.

I speak from experience. Back in 2001, I was lucky enough to be part of a brand-new practice venture—and I bit their hand off! From choosing the name and location to mapping out the community we’d serve, those early planning stages were some of the most fulfilling moments of my career. The Oak Vets was born.

We chose the name because oak trees form deep roots, have presence, and make a lasting impact—exactly what we hoped to do in our local area. We wanted to be part of the community for years to come (and we also really liked the colour green!). Starting out wasn’t easy. Gaining trust and building a client base takes time, and there were certainly highs and lows along the way. But the relationships we created—with patients and their owners—were incredibly special. Some clients stayed with us for life, and many became friends. I found myself woven into the fabric of the local community in a way I’d never experienced before.

Everyone knew me—but in the best possible way. We genuinely felt we were making a difference. We took the time with every client, helping them navigate their treatment options, from simple procedures to the most difficult decisions. Over the following 10 years, we grew not just as a team but as individuals—clinically and professionally. And yes—we even opened two more practices!

That’s the beauty of running your own practice. You gain clinical freedom, deeper connections, and the ability to deliver a level of personal care that truly sets you apart. For most veterinary professionals, the trust a client places in you to care for their treasured family member is a true gift. And when you run your own practice, you have the autonomy to honour that trust in your own unique way" - Debbie Loding, Director Vetted Recruitment

Staffing Considerations: Building a Strong Foundation

One of the most important aspects of setting up a veterinary practice is getting your staffing right. Here’s what to consider:

1. Roles You’ll Need to Fill

Start by identifying the core roles:

• Veterinary Surgeons – Lead clinical decision-making, surgeries, and patient care.

• Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) – Provide hands-on clinical support, inpatient care, anaesthesia monitoring, and client education. A 1:1 ratio of veterinary nurses to veterinary surgeons is required for PSS accreditation.

• Reception/Client Care Team – The face of your practice. Warm, organised, and empathetic individuals are key.

• Practice Manager – Often overlooked early on, but vital for overseeing HR, finance, and compliance.

2. Recruitment Strategy

You’ll need:

• Clear, well-written job descriptions

• Legally compliant employment contracts (UK-specific)

• Structured interview questions and selection criteria

• A robust onboarding and induction process

Recruitment isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about values, communication, and culture fit. You want people who believe in your vision and a structured approach to your recruitment will help you to attract the best, and most profitable, talent.

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3. Understand UK Employment Laws and HR Responsibilities

As an employer in the UK, you have a responsibility to adhere to various employment laws that govern working conditions, wages, and benefits. Key considerations include:

• Minimum Wage and Living Wage – Ensure you’re paying employees in accordance with the UK’s National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, which vary by age and employment status.

• Working Hours and Holidays – The UK Working Time Regulations set limits on working hours and entitlements for breaks and paid holidays. All full-time employees must be given at least 28 days of paid annual leave.

• Employment Contracts – You must provide written terms and conditions for all employees within two months of starting their employment. This includes detailing job roles, hours, pay, and other important information.

• Employee Rights – Employees in the UK are entitled to sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and protection from unfair dismissal, among other rights. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these rights and provide adequate benefits to support your team.

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4. Ongoing Development and Support

Offer CPD allowances, structured feedback, regular performance reviews, and career progression opportunities. People who feel valued stay longer—and contribute more.

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5. Plan for Staffing Growth and Flexibility

As your veterinary practice grows, your staffing needs will evolve. Planning for future expansion is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain efficiency.

Consider these strategies:

• Hire Additional Staff as Needed – Monitor your caseload and consider hiring additional vets, nurses, or support staff as demand increases.

• Introduce Flexible Working Hours – Flexibility is key to managing work-life balance, so consider offering part-time roles or flexible shift patterns, especially for support staff and receptionists.

• Cross-Training Staff – Cross-train your team so they can assist with various tasks, which provides flexibility and reduces dependency on specific team members during peak periods.

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Starting your own veterinary practice may be one of the biggest steps in your career—but it could also be the most fulfilling. With the right team around you and a clear vision, you can build something truly lasting. Something that puts clinical care, community, and compassion at the heart of everything you do.

In the process of setting up on your own? We’d love to help you staff right, first time.

Director Laura Collings has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development since 2014 and holds a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management.

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​Toolkit: Offering everything you'll need to keep you on track

​We've put together a ready-to-use toolkit of templates that can be adapted to suit your new practice to help you get started. Simply pop us your details and we'll send you a copy

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