How to Start a Veterinary Acupuncture Business

Start a veterinary acupuncture business by following these 10 steps:

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

We have put together this simple guide to starting your veterinary acupuncture 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 very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening a veterinary acupuncture business?

Startup costs for a veterinary acupuncturist vary depending on the types of animals treated and whether they choose to offer mobile or in-house treatments. The average budget for setting up a mobile business is $300,000, with some vets reporting costs as high as $750,000. This includes equipping a vehicle, operating licenses, business insurance, an initial pharmaceutical order, and administrative supplies. Starting a stationary clinic requires the lease of office space and retrofitting the clinic with all necessary equipment. Industry leaders report an initial investment of approximately $1 million.

What are the ongoing expenses for a veterinary acupuncture business?

Acupuncturists will need to include a number of items in their ongoing budget. Equipment must be kept clean and maintained through a preventative maintenance plan. Licenses and insurance should be maintained and continuing education should be a top priority. Therapists who perform additional therapies and modalities will need to keep a steady supply of materials. Needles should be properly disposed of after each treatment, utilizing a fresh set for each session. Mobile therapists face overhead costs such as vehicle and equipment maintenance, while therapists who treat patients in-house incur ongoing expenses such as lease payments and utilities.

Who is the target market?

Veterinary acupuncturists should clearly define their target market during the planning stages. Work settings and initial investments vary depending upon their specific interests. Some choose to operate out of a private practice while others work on farms, in laboratories, out of research facilities, or at zoos. Market needs should be thoroughly researched and taken into consideration prior to investment.

How does a veterinary acupuncture business make money?

Veterinary acupuncturists charge a fee for each treatment. Some offer mobile services, while others perform all treatments in-office. Many treat all breeds of animals, while others focus on specific breeds.

How much can you charge customers?

The pricing of acupuncture therapy varies depending upon the type of animal, the nature of the animal’s condition, and the scope of practice. Costs per treatment range from $60 to $300 per session.

How much profit can a veterinary acupuncture business make?

Profits vary depending upon the types of animals treated and overhead expenses. A recent study reports that the average annual earnings of a board-certified specialist are well over $150,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Veterinary acupuncturists looking to increase profits should consider offering additional products and services. Industry leaders have found success selling supplements, homeopathic medicines, prescription diet food, and general conventional medications. Additional alternative treatment options, such as massage or herbal therapy, could also prove beneficial.

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 veterinary acupuncture 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.

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?

Since most states require acupuncturists to have a degree in veterinary medicine, this business venture is ideal for veterinarians who are seeking out alternative methods for treating the animal community.

What happens during a typical day at a veterinary acupuncture business?

For many, veterinary acupuncture is part of a larger treatment plan. Acupuncturists collaborate with the primary vet to ensure a well-rounded treatment plan is in place. They determine which anatomical points should be treated, as well as the duration of therapy. Many treatment plans require more frequent treatments during the initial stages, tapering off over time. Many veterinary acupuncturists will combine acupuncture with behavioral modification programs or a special diet to maximize results. They will follow their patients’ progress, communicating all results to the primary veterinarian and the pet owner. When not treating patients, veterinary acupuncturists research alternative therapies and perform administrative duties associated with the business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful veterinary acupuncture business?

Most states require that an accredited veterinary acupuncturist hold both a veterinary degree and certification through the American Board of Animal Acupuncture (ABAA). Therapists must have extensive knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, muscle physiology, and approved acupuncture techniques. Continuing education is typically done through the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA).

In addition to the appropriate schooling, it’s important that therapists understand animal behavior and treat each patient with the utmost respect. Communication with both the animals and their owner is a critical component for long-term success.

What is the growth potential for a veterinary acupuncture business?

Over the last decade, consumer spending on animal healthcare has increased significantly. This growth is expected to continue with a projected increase of over 19% from 2016 to 2026. As pet owners seek out alternative therapies for their four-legged companions, the need for veterinary acupuncturists is expected to grow steadily. Therapists have the option to maintain or expand their businesses based on their needs and interests.