How to Start a Mobile Vet Business

Start a mobile vet business by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Mobile Vet Business
2. Form your Mobile Vet Business into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Mobile Vet Business for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Mobile Vet Business
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Mobile Vet Business
7. Get Mobile Vet Business Insurance
8. Define your Mobile Vet Business Brand
9. Create your Mobile Vet Business Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your mobile vet business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Mobile Vet Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a mobile vet business?

Initial costs for opening a mobile vet clinic will be substantial. You must equip a van, RV, or enclosed trailer with a veterinarian’s office and exam room in order to take your show on the road. There are numerous commercial vehicle retailers who can convert such a vehicle to your specific needs, but the cost will be significant and will fluctuate, depending on the type of equipment you are installing and the size of the vehicle. An average starting number will be somewhere around $300,000 and can go up to as much as $750,000 or more. Additionally, you will need business insurance, an operating license, an initial medication order from a pharmaceutical supplier, and numerous disposable goods for the office work as well as care and maintenance of the mobile clinic.

What are the ongoing expenses for a mobile vet business?

Most ongoing expenses will pertain to the maintenance of the mobile vehicle and restocking of medical supplies. Fuel costs will also be a concern, as those costs continue to rise. Manage your travels accordingly and look to create a schedule for where you’ll be, week to week.

Who is the target market?

Your target market are pet owners, unable to visit a vet’s office, either because of distance or time. You will be supplying a service in which the customer needs a reasonable method for having their animals examined by a professional, so you may be offering times outside of the typical 9-5 work hours. But, by supplying these options, you will be tapping into a market which will more than likely become quite loyal to you and your efforts.

How does a mobile vet business make money?

Fees paid by customers for the examinations performed by the vet or vet tech will account for the business’ profits.

How much can you charge customers?

Customer rates will depend on the services provided and the average costs for vet services, both mobile and fixed locations, in your area. Doing research on the competitor costs is a necessity for successfully pricing your own services. You must also price for the types of animals you see. Typical house pets may not be as expensive to examine and treat as some more specialty animals or farm and livestock animals. An average vet office visit will run around $100.00 but you may charge a bit more for the convenience you offer.

How much profit can a mobile vet business make?

A mobile vet business can be quite profitable, but will depend on the area in which you’re located. Factors will include the density of the population and the average income of the clients you see. A successful mobile vet can earn between $150,000-200,000, annually. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the landscape of veterinary services in your area so you are able to maximize your earnings.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Offer your services to various animal organizations, societies, and groups. Animal rescues and adoption services often have adoption events. Partnering with these will give new pet owners piece of mind about their pending adoption and will give you an expanded customer base. You can also inquire about specific animal clubs, such as herpetology or aviary groups, and look to offer discounts to group members.

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your mobile vet business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain an Veterinary license. Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an Veterinary Practice. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Insurance Claims

Some Mobile Vet businesses chose to market their services with more of a therapeutic emphasis. You will probably come across consumers seeking to reimburse you for your services using their health plans. If this is the case, it is essential to make sure their health insurance covers Mobile Vet visits. If Mobile Vet visits is indeed covered by insurance, you must fill out a health insurance claim form to receive payment.

• An example insurance claim form
• More information on the reimbursement process

Vehicles

Registration

Businesses are required to register vehicles which will travel across state lines for commercial purposes. Check here for a list of state requirements.

Class B Driver Licensing Requirements

In most states, licences are issued by classes, operating according to the weight of the vehicle being driven. Drivers of standard cars and trucks require a class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), while operators of heavier vehicles, including most tow trucks, require a Class B CDL to operate. More information can be found here.

Certificate of Occupancy

A Mobile Vet business is generally run out of a small storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location:
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to Veterinary business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location:
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your Mobile Vet business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

Mobile vet services are growing in popularity with many Veterinary professionals looking to expand their business and service area to customers not in their immediate vicinity. Vets and vet techs in rural areas are also seeing this as a great opportunity to provide customer service to a wider customer base, not always able to travel the distances to reach a Veterinary hospital.

What happens during a typical day at a mobile vet business?

As the name implies, a mobile vet business is traveling from place to place, setting up for the customers and pets in a localized area. Much of the day to day activities will revolve around the travel and animal examinations, recommendations, and treatments. Additionally, the mobile office must be restocked with medical and office supplies, as needed.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful mobile vet business?

First and foremost, you must have proper schooling and training to be a successful veterinarian or vet tech. You must be knowledgeable in the care and treatment of a wide variety of animals, as you may see all kinds of animals in your mobile clinic. You must also be personable with the public and be able to discuss exam findings, diagnoses, and treatment options with the owners in an professional and compassionate manner.

What is the growth potential for a mobile vet business?

People love their animals and most are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they’re healthy and will live long, happy lives. Mobile vet services make these desires all the more accessible and obtainable. Mobile services are also popular, as they often are able to offer hours of operation different from the typical 9-5 scenario. This offers working men and women the option to make sure their pets are being examined and cared for regularly. This all adds up to a very favorable market for such services and a market with great growth potential.