How to Staff a Veterinary Clinic
Starting a new veterinary clinic involves many steps, such as financial planning, picking a location, and hiring employees. If you haven’t managed employees or worked in human resources, you might not know where to start. Having a great staff will ensure that you meet the needs of your customer.
- Think about the ability and desire you have to work beyond the requirements of the veterinary responsibilities. Figure out how much bookkeeping, cleaning, scheduling, and advertising you will do yourself. If you are planning to put all your efforts in doing veterinary care, you will have to hire other people to do different tasks.
- Employ one person to serve as veterinary practice manager. They will keep things running efficiently and serve as a liaison between you and your clients. You may also have to hire people to manage administrative duties, feed and water the animals, and give medical assistance for procedures.
- Make job descriptions. Create a list of tasks each staff member needs to do. Give accurate detail such as occasional assignments and daily duties. Keep in mind the staff’s responsibilities can change because of absences and workload.
- Go to an employment agency or advertise positions open. An employment agency can advertise and interview potential employees for a fee.
- Create a questionnaire to figure out how potential employees will work with you and the animals. Interview why staff members want to work in a clinic and if they have the education or experience for the job. Call references and past employers for more information.
- Stay in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Become familiar with laws about discrimination and employee tax deductions.