Why Now Is the Right Time to Sell Your Veterinary Clinic?
For practice owners, we know when you started the practice, you never thought about selling it one day, and we understand it’s not an easy process to build a successful clinic like yours. You have spent days and nights caring for patients, earning your clients’ trust, and creating a successful practice.
Since you have now thought about selling, let us tell you that we have seen veterinary practices where owners took a few weeks to decide and sell their practice in the last few years, compared to practice owners who, for many years, are still thinking about whether this is the right time to sell or retire. So, our next question is, are you in the same thinking boat?
Well, let us tell you that now is the best time to sell, and take our words: “Don’t wait,” because as the veterinary industry evolves and market conditions fluctuate, recognizing the right moment to sell can make a substantial difference in both the financial and personal outcomes of your sale. Even if you want to retire in the next 3–5 years, you need to make the decision now because even if you sell, the new buyer will want you to stay in the practice for the next few years to ensure that the practice continues to flourish and that there is operational efficiency.
Before we move ahead, for practice owners who have more than two doctors, we would like to offer a free valuation. We are the experts who can help you identify key areas and guide you on how to increase the value of your veterinary practice.
Please Note – This is a limited-time opportunity since our Senior Transitions Manager will invest his years of knowledge and time to help you determine the accurate value of your clinic. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity!
Let’s discuss everything in detail to help you understand why now is the right time to consider selling.
1. A Seller’s Market
After Covid 19, the increase in pet ownership across the United States and globally has put veterinary practices in high demand. Buyers including Corporate, private investors, and individual veterinarians are actively looking to acquire practices. This demand creates a seller’s market, where competition among buyers can drive up your practice’s value.
Why Buyers Are Interested:
- Pet ownership has surged, increasing demand for veterinary care.
- Corporate groups are expanding their footprint, seeking well-run clinics to add to their portfolios.
- Private investors see veterinary practices as stable, recession-resistant businesses.
Hear from Dr. David how Transitions Elite helped him get the best deal
In his words, ‘If you’re a practice owner thinking about selling your veterinary practice and believe you can do it on your own, you won’t get the best dollar. The objective of the companies buying your practice is to purchase at the lowest possible price, and they often earn a commission based on this lower sale price. But Tom, our senior Transitions Manager, marketed his practice to multiple companies, creating competition among them. He was confident that he got the best price and a buyer who genuinely cared for his legacy and team.
Full Story
What this means for you: Selling in a hot market can help you command a premium price, giving you the financial freedom to pursue your next chapter. And when you have an advisor like Transitions Elite on your side, you can sleep peacefully because we know the steps and process. We will make this sale so easy for you. Just like David, we have helped many veterinary practice owners, and you can be next.
2. Interest Rates Are Still Favorable
Lower interest rates make it easier for buyers to secure financing, which can lead to stronger offers. While interest rates may not remain low indefinitely, current conditions are still favorable for both buyers and sellers.
Let’s look at this landscape
According to Veterinary Practice news Interest rates after peaking at nine percent in mid-2022, inflation subsided to a range of three to 3.5 percent by the end of 2023 The rise in interest rates has increased borrowing costs for buyers, and thus has negatively impacted business acquisitions and practice valuations for those hoping to sell to the corporate market.
Does that worry you?
Pro Tip: If your practice is well prepared, thriving and has room for growth.Well, there’s still a window of getting the perfect price and you need to take the next step.
3. Industry Trends Are Boosting Practice Value
Like any industry, keeping up with the latest trends can help you succeed and stay ahead of your competitors. In the last few years, the veterinary industry has evolved rapidly, and many veterinary practice owners have adapted to these trends by introducing telemedicine, wellness plans, and advanced diagnostics in their clinics. These advancements not only make operations easier for them but also make their practices very attractive and a sign of growth.
In short, practices that embrace modern trends like telemedicine, wellness plans, and advanced diagnostics are particularly attractive to buyers.
Trends Driving Value:
- Telemedicine: Clinics offering virtual consultations are seen as forward-thinking and adaptable.
- Preventive Care: Buyers value practices with established wellness plans or subscription models.
- Specialized Services: Clinics that serve niche markets, like exotic animals or equine care, are especially appealing.
Example: In one of our blog posts about “9 Tips for veterinary practice sellers” we discussed Dr. Angie’s journey. She made the call to sell her veterinary clinic and got everything aligned solid three years beforehand. She reviewed the accounts and made sure everything was in place, invested in the new tech, and gave her veterinary clinic a fresh look. She also introduced a new CRM to better manage the client communications. And guess what? When she finally listed her veterinary practice for sale.
The result? A buyer snapped it up at a premium price, while the clinic in the same location, but with no upgrades in terms of the trends we mentioned above, is still sitting on the market waiting for buyers.
What does that mean for you? Delaying the decision to sell? Well, no. This means that you need to consult a professional who can help you understand the things you can focus on, make quick changes, and review your accounts. Basically, make your practice attractive to buyers.
4. Your Practice Might Be at Its Peak
We understand that when everything is growing, you might think that in the near future you can sell at an even higher price than now. But just think—what happens in a few years when the market is flooded with veterinary practices for sale, and the shift happens from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market? Do you think you’ll still be able to get a premium value at that time? Honestly, delaying your decision to sell could lead to missed opportunities in both value and timing.
Well, here’s the truth: Selling a practice is like selling a house—you want to list it when it’s in its best condition. If your clinic is thriving, now might be the time to capitalize on its success
Signs Your Veterinary Practice Is at Its Peak:
- 2+ DVMS
- More than $2M in Annual revenue
- Steady or increasing revenue over the past three years.
- A loyal and growing client base.
- Positive cash flow and strong profitability.
Example: Dr. Aron sold his practice after years of consistent growth. With the help of Transitions Elite, we positioned his clinic as a high-performing business, attracting multiple offers and securing an exceptional deal.
Here are few more examples of how we helped other veterinary practice owners
Dr. Williams • EAST COAST (URBAN) • 5.5 Dr.’s
This owner was with Transitions Elite from the start of their selling process. In just under 120 days (4 months), we had negotiated 5 offers with a huge range, offers between $12.5 million all the way up to $22 million.
The client accepted the second-highest offer ($20.8 million) because the Transitions Elite team was able to secure the best terms with this particular buyer, but an offer range of almost $10 million shows how critical it is to use the best broker/ representative!
Dr. Mallory • MIDWEST (RURAL) USA • 3 Dr.’s
This practice owner was with Transitions Elite from the beginning of their selling process. They were hoping for $5 million, but since they were very eager to sell they were willing to go as low as $4 million.
We implemented our proprietary Elite Selling System™, which produced three offers: $4.5 million, $8 million and we finally closed on $12.5 million (over 3 times what the client was originally thinking of accepting!).
Why This Matters: Selling while your practice is thriving ensures you’re maximizing its value and leaving a strong legacy for the next owner.
5. Buyer Preferences Are Changing
Today’s buyers are looking for turnkey operations—veterinary clinics that are ready to run with minimal disruptions. If your practice is well-organized, with efficient systems and a trained team in place, you’re already a step ahead.
Just imagine—buyers are purchasing multiple clinics across the nation, and they want you and your current staff/system to work efficiently so they don’t have to invest most of their time fixing basic problems.
A quick tip: Just go to your Google reviews and see what customers are happy about and what their complaints are. For example, if most of them are complaining about the “booking system” and having to book manually, then it’s the right time to invest in an automated booking system to overcome that problem. Similarly, you can create an anonymous survey in your practice and ask staff and DVMs to fill it out. This will help you recognize the issues within your company. If you address those issues, it will make operations smoother and help you later when selling to the ideal buyer
What Buyers Want:
- A cohesive, experienced staff that can handle daily operations.
- Clear workflows and documented processes.
- Modern equipment and a clean, updated facility.
Example: Remember Dr. Angie’s example we discussed earlier in the blog post? Similarly, a Denver clinic sold in record time because the owner had invested in training their team and updating their equipment. Buyers were impressed by how seamlessly they could take over operations.
Pro Tip: If your practice checks these boxes, you’re in an excellent position to sell now. If you need more information about how to get started. Simply fill in the below form and book a free consultation with our experts.
6. You’re Ready for What’s Next
In the start of this blog post, we mentioned how we have seen some doctors making the decision to sell within weeks, while others are still thinking about it years later. If you are still in the thinking boat, let us tell you honestly: timing isn’t just about the market—it’s about you. If you’re feeling ready to move on from the demands of ownership, now might be the time to take the next step.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Have you achieved your financial goals?
- Are you ready to spend less time managing and more time enjoying life?
- Does the idea of selling feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders?
- Are you ready to enjoy the rewards of your success while ensuring your practice thrives in capable hands?
Real Story: Dr. Sharon Gorman knew it was time to sell after two decades of owning her Las Vegas practice. She worked with Transitions Elite to ensure her clinic found a buyer who valued her staff and clients. “They made the entire process smooth and stress-free,” she said. “I can finally focus on my family without worrying about what’s next.”
Preparing to Sell Your Veterinary Practice
If you’re considering selling your veterinary practice, preparation is key. Even in a strong market, a well-prepared clinic will always attract better offers. Here’s how to get ready.
1. Get Your Financials in Order
Clear, transparent financials are essential. Buyers want to see consistent profitability and accurate records.
Checklist:
- Profit and loss statements for the past three to five years.
- Revenue breakdowns by service category.
- Detailed expense reports and tax returns.
Here’s a detailed guide about – How to sell and prepare your veterinary practice for sale?
2. Partner With a Broker
Selling a practice is a difficult task, especially when you don’t know where to get started. Most often, you might gather information from here and there and list your practice. Let us tell you that you need to follow a streamlined process to make your practice attractive to potential buyers. This is where a professional broker can help. They will market your practice to potential buyers, create competition among them, ensure that you get a premium value, and give you the choice to select the buyer rather than the buyer choosing you. Finally, they will negotiate the deal on your behalf.
You might ask—where can I find such advisors? Well, at Transitions Elite, we have mastered the process and have helped multiple veterinary practice owners sell their practices and achieve their dream exit.
In general here’s what a Veterinary Broker Does for You:
- Prepares your clinic for sale by highlighting its strengths.
- Connects you with qualified buyers who match your goals.
- Manages the negotiation process to secure maximum value.
Remember the story of Dr. David Graeff, “Transitions Elite was the best decision I made during this process. They helped me position my clinic for success and handled everything from start to finish.”
If you are interested in knowing how to find the right veterinary practice broker – Here’s our recent blog post.
Why Wait? Act Now to Secure Your Future
The perfect time to sell isn’t just about market conditions—it’s about aligning your goals, your practice’s performance, and the opportunities available. Right now, the market is in your favor. The buyers are out there. The demand is high.
Consult with Transitions Elite today to discuss your goals and evaluate your clinic’s readiness. You’ve built something extraordinary—let’s make sure you secure the value you deserve and the legacy you’ve earned.