Opening a veterinary practice is more than just a career move – it’s a leap of faith.

One moment you’re checking the temperature of a labradoodle. The next, you’re comparing flooring quotes and wondering if your chosen X-ray should cost more than your car.

At Credabl, we’ve helped thousands of veterinarians bring their practices to life. We know the first 12 months are filled with sharp turns and small victories. That’s why we’re ditching the jargon-heavy checklist and offering something different.

An imaginary tale of the journey to practice ownership – unfiltered. Imagine it’s you. Perhaps you can relate, or perhaps you’ll be inspired. Either way, we know you’ll enjoy the read.

What 12 months, five curveballs and one flexible loan taught me about going out on my own 

Month 0: The spark

You say it out loud: “I want to open my own practice.” Cue excitement, anxiety, and five open tabs titled “how much does it cost to start a vet clinic?”

Note to self: The first question isn’t how much – it’s why. If you're clear on that, the rest follows.

Month 2: The big choice

To buy an existing practice or start from scratch?
Acquiring a practice that is already up and running means, I would have infrastructure and clients and their furry companions from day one. Whereas starting fresh offers complete freedom to design and build my practice.

Note to self: Revisit your Spark. It will help you choose the path that aligns with your goals.

Month 3: The plan (and the panic)

Business plan? Started. Cash flow forecast? Outsourced. Costs creeping in from all directions – fitout, equipment, software, snacks…

Then I called Credabl. They offered 100% finance for my setup and  a way to structure the funding required with no repayments for up to 12 months. Others had options, but Credabl’s flexibility and calm guidance made all the difference.

Note to self: Fitout is where dreams meet budgets. That designer pendant light? Maybe not right now.

Month 5: The cashflow curveball

Invoices piling up. Doors still shut. Revenue? Zero.

Without that repayment-free buffer from Credabl, I’d be stuck. Instead, I could breathe.

Note to self: Thinking your savings will carry you through? They won’t. Cashflow surprises everyone. Financial flexibility isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.

Month 7: Building a team (and myself)

I hired a nurse. Then a receptionist. Then realised I’d never managed people before.

Credabl introduced me to businesses to upskill me on foundational leadership tools – all tailored to first-time owners. I also became connected to vet mentor groups, suddenly I wasn’t alone. Other vets had walked this road. Now they were walking it with me.

Note to self: Leadership is its own skillset. A people plan matters as much as a floor plan.

Month 10: Open for business

The first client complimented the fitout (yes, the pendant light stayed). The second booked a check-up for their new puppy. The third? No-show. That’s life.

Posted a photo online. Five shares. Two bookings. Zero regrets.

Note to self: Marketing doesn’t come naturally to me. Thankfully, there are teams who do it for a living.

 Month 12: One year on

I’ve learned this journey isn’t just about being a great vet. It’s about resilience, delegation, cashflow, and connection.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But this time, I’d call Credabl even sooner.

Ready to take the first step?
This diary may be fictional, but the support behind it is very real. At Credabl, we’ve worked with thousands of veterinarians and hear the same stories regularly: the surprise cashflow crunch, the common pitfalls, and yes, the dream of the perfect pendant light.

We’ve written the book on buying a practice. Literally. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, we created the Starting in Private Practice Checklist: a practical guide packed with insights and questions every new owner should ask. And it’s yours to download here.

Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to act, Credabl is behind you every step of the way.

T+Cs apply visit https://www.credabl.com.au/terms-and-conditions