Member Stories

What inspired you to become a mobile and mixed animal veterinarian?

When I graduated in 2011 from the University of Illinois, I was determined to do large animal medicine only. Unfortunately, the job market landed me in a mixed animal practice. Options in the [large animal] field were more limited then than they are now. My fairy tale dreams of a job were vastly different from the reality.

I love veterinary medicine, but the culture and practices of that first clinic were not healthy. Still, I learned a lot about myself and gained a lot of independence.

“Mentorship” was not a word this practice embraced. I started the day after graduation – straight into emergency calls – and my boss left on vacation. I began to “practice” veterinary medicine alone with my school friends and textbooks as reference guides.

After six or seven months, I wanted to work for myself and make my own culture and set my own expectations and rules – rules of good medicine and self-conduct. It didn’t happen. Fear quickly paralyzed me, and relationship choices complicated things. I had a ton of debt, no nest egg, and no money to begin.

This fear led me into almost six years of different jobs: mixed practice, strictly small animal with only large animal emergencies, wildlife, and relief. Good grief! I built two vet trucks and sold them both before I decided to have faith in where God would lead me and started a mobile business.

What surprised you most about becoming a practice owner?

I was prepared for the work. I am solo. So, I am my own receptionist, inventory manager, scheduler (she’s on probation right now… she struggles every day to do her job appropriately), veterinarian, technician, paperwork doer, and preparer for patients – along with running the business.

But there were two surprises. The first: I could do it! I have gained clients and expanded my services. Second: It has been hard for me to juggle a work-life balance and set boundaries. I’m still working on the second. But I feel I have to flex and adjust as my seasons of life change.

How has the practice evolved since you started it?

I have created boundaries and started to decline certain cases. I do not handle small animal emergencies or sick small animals. I can’t do that well nor do I have the time. In three years, I have added blood work machines, portable radiographs, chiropractic services, and laparoscopic AI.

This year, I started to prioritize my scheduling. No small animal wellness calls during breeding season, for example. I never imagined I would be in a place to have to decline jobs because I don’t have the time. That never would have crossed my mind in 2019 when I first opened.

What made you decide to go with the AVMA Trust for your insurance coverage(s)?

I feel they have the veterinarian in mind. They get and know to expect my personalized issues and concerns.

Do you have any advice for veterinarians who aspire to start or own a mobile or mixed animal practice?

I would say plan your business out and start with select services, then, if you want to, expand from there. I dove in on a prayer, and it has worked; but planning would give peace of mind I imagine. My personality dives into the mess and untangles my way out.

You should love being outdoors. I love being outside – except in a cold and rain combo.

I love creating personal relationships and building the trust of clients who allow me into their personal spaces, whether in a home or on a farm. I can assess the environment better.

Find your niche. I provide services for people who do not have the ability to haul. I’m rural, and referral is not an option in most of my cases.

Do the best you can and be honest with your clients. Brush off those who don’t “approve” of you; they are someone else’s clients.

Create healthy boundaries. Not everyone has to like you. That's a big one – especially for new grads discovering their confidence in who they are as a person and veterinarian.

Do what you love. Life is too short, and veterinarian medicine is so diverse. Let go of self-expectations of what you are supposed to be and do. Challenge yourself to find a space in this profession that you enjoy. Every day will not be perfect.

Learn to say no when you have a packed book and hear “Hey, Doc, while you’re here…”

What is the biggest challenge you face as a practice owner?

Currently, my biggest challenge is juggling my growing business with marriage and kids. The weight of my business and being the only provider competes with the expectations that hover over me with a spouse who’s not in the veterinary field (although I imagine this doesn’t matter) and two small kids – along with a house that just won’t clean itself.

I personally challenge a lot of the stereotypes of gender responsibility of chores and childcare. Having my own business does allow me to bring my kids to work, when needed, and they are with me A LOT. Those are stories for another time because kids, especially my kids, make it very interesting.