Veterinary startups face unique challenges when deciding whether to secure a loan first or a lease. This episode unpacks how the order of these steps affects budget, lender approvals, and build-out timelines—plus why making the wrong choice can stall your practice before it even begins.

In this “Whoops” episode, the team unpacks a real startup’s challenge: trying to launch with two associates, a space requirement that doesn’t fit, and a budget lenders won’t support. The discussion reveals how misplaced trust and poor advice can derail a project, why contractors aren’t the ones to guide your business plan, and what happens when ambition outpaces financial reality. The takeaway? A bad plan—or no plan at all—can leave your practice dead in the water before it even begins.

Even new veterinary offices can face climate control issues that disrupt daily operations and patient comfort. In this episode, we explore two common post-construction pitfalls — missing key HVAC components and reusing outdated systems — and how they lead to uneven temperatures, inefficiency, and costly fixes. We cover the importance of proper design coordination, the risks of low bids that exclude critical work, and why ongoing oversight is vital from the first plan review to project closeout. You’ll also learn how small mechanical oversights can snowball into larger operational challenges and how to avoid them by asking the right questions early.

The right veterinary location blends functionality, compliance, and growth potential. In this episode, we cover what to evaluate during tours, from code requirements and entry points to core infrastructure and existing layout suitability. We discuss the differences between retail and medical office spaces, how to spot costly renovation triggers, and why integrating your design team into the site selection process ensures your chosen space truly supports your practice goals.

Veterinary practice renovations often balance patient flow, team efficiency, and compliance requirements. In this episode, we explore how to set a clear renovation scope, allocate budget between aesthetics and functionality, and avoid triggering unnecessary code upgrades. We also cover strategies for phasing work around patient schedules, managing costs, and coordinating design with construction to maximize every dollar spent.

Art breaks down what goes into a well-crafted business plan for veterinary startups—from defining your mission to projecting financials. They discuss how vision impacts your space, how to plan for staff and services, and why your operational plan matters more than you think. Whether you're opening your first location or thinking long-term, this episode gives you the structure and insight to move forward with confidence.

In this episode of How to Open a Veterinary Practice, host and veterinary startup expert Hailee Hobbs sits down with Artin Safarian, President of Arminco, to talk about the mistakes no one thinks they'll make—until they do. From misleading timelines to hidden costs, Hailee and Artin dive into real-world examples of what can go wrong when you don’t properly vet your general contractor.

Whether you're just beginning your build-out or knee-deep in permits, this episode is packed with candid advice to help you protect your investment, your timeline, and your sanity.

Don’t let your dream practice turn into a construction nightmare.

In this first episode of How to Open a Veterinary Practice, co-hosts Hailee Hobbs, veterinary practice expert, and Artin Safarian, President of Arminco, Inc., introduce the core steps and big-picture thinking that go into launching your own veterinary clinic.

From choosing the right location to building a realistic timeline, Hailee shares expert advice to help you get started with confidence. Whether you're just dreaming or already planning, this episode is your foundation for success.