Many veterinary owners start their projects off track because of one simple misunderstanding with their bank. Art and Antonis break down how to handle early-stage lending requests, what to provide when a bank asks for a “bid,” and how to manage contingencies so you’re not paying more than you should. This episode will help you navigate financing with clarity and confidence.

When it comes to veterinary medicine, what really determines your return on investment? In this episode, Hailee, Art, and Antonis dive into the question every practice owner faces: Is ROI driven by your clinic’s look and feel, the equipment you use, or the quality of care and service you provide? From online reviews and client trust to accessibility and community presence, the discussion uncovers how pet parents choose where to go — and how those choices translate to growth and sustainability for your practice.

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 In this episode, we explore two common post-construction pitfalls — missing key HVAC components and reusing outdated systems — and how they lead to uneven temperatures, inefficiency, and costly fixes.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.