Attentive vet takes clinical notes while a pet owner lovingly strokes her happy Jack Russell Terrier at a routine vet appointment in a bright clinic

Developing a Fair Employee Handbook for Your Veterinary Practice

Developing an employee handbook is an essential way to develop your veterinary practice’s culture and protect against litigation. Workplace dissatisfaction, conflicts, and even litigation are more likely to happen when employees don’t know what’s expected of them or the process for reporting discrimination, harassment, or other grievances. Creating an employee handbook is the first step to fairly and consistently applying your veterinary practice’s standards and policies.

Employment Policies and Procedures

Your employee handbook should include an introduction to your veterinary practice’s mission, culture, and values. It should also include clear statements about what’s expected of employees in terms of attendance, punctuality, attire, job performance, patient and client interactions, workplace communications, and other procedures. 

If you add a new location in a different city, county, or state, you may need to revise your handbook or create a new one for employees in that specific location to reflect local laws. Additionally, as your practice grows, you may need to develop and Implement new policies and procedures to meet your veterinary practice’s unique challenges.

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Procedures

Employee handbooks are important because they help veterinary practices remain in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Specifically, the handbook should have clear anti-discrimination and anti-harassment statements and procedures for filing claims. The handbook should include a step-by-step procedure for reporting discrimination and harassment, and for requesting accommodations due to a disability. 

When employees report discrimination or harassment, the staff member in charge of implementing the handbook should take their report seriously and follow through with the remaining steps in the reporting policy. The handbook should make it clear that employees won’t be penalized in any way for reporting or participating in investigations related to discrimination and harassment. 

Working with an attorney can be helpful for updating your handbook when employment laws change. This can help ensure your practice isn’t unintentionally violating one or more laws, which could lead to an expensive agency investigation or even a lawsuit. An attorney can provide legal experience, review your handbook for compliance with employment laws, and help you navigate complex legal issues, ensuring your handbook is fair and legally sound. 

Employee Benefits

The handbook should clearly state all of the employment benefits available for staff members. A comprehensive benefits section not only informs employees about their entitlements but also demonstrates your commitment to their well-being, which can help attract and retain top talent. 

Information regarding retirement accounts, such as 401ks, insurance policies, workers’ compensation policies, vacation time, and other employee benefits, should be clearly stated in the handbook. The handbook should also address how employees can best use their employee benefits. Spelling out how many vacation days and sick days employees have each year is also important.

Including Disciplinary Policies in Your Employee Handbook

Creating a handbook is an important first step, but it’s equally crucial to enforce its policies and procedures fairly. For example, if two employees arrive late, it’s essential to apply the standards in the handbook that relate to tardiness. If the tardiness persists, it’s important that both employees are asked to leave the company. This commitment to fair enforcement will help you avoid employment litigation and maintain good discipline within your veterinary practice.

Contact a Veterinary Practice Attorney

Creating a handbook for your veterinary practice can help you implement staff-wide policies and procedures. It can also help you protect against liability and ensure you’re treating your employees fairly across the board. 
At Mahan Law, we understand that owners of veterinary practices are busy with their day-to-day operations. We can help you develop or update your community handbook to reflect your unique practice, needs, and goals. Contact Mahan Law to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.

Three multi-ethnic workers at an animal hospital preparing a kitten for a surgical procedure. The veterinarian and veterinary technicians are wearing medical scrubs, surgical caps and masks.

Training Your Team on Equal Employment Laws and Practices

Whether starting a veterinary practice or purchasing an existing one, training your team on equal employment laws and practices is crucial. Taking an active approach to training your staff about anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies can help promote a positive and safe culture for everyone in your company. Actively training your staff can also help you minimize employment lawsuits.

Explain Your Veterinary Practice’s Policies Regarding Equal Employment

Annual training can help you ensure that your employees understand your veterinary practice’s discrimination policies. When training your employees, you should clearly state that discrimination based on color, race, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), disability, national origin, age (40 or older), and genetic information is illegal and won’t be tolerated. When training employees, you may need to provide more examples.

It’s also important to inform your employees of your veterinary practice policies regarding harassment, discrimination, and making reasonable accommodations. Distributing a copy of the employee handbook or telling the employees where they can find this information is essential. All employees should know how to report discrimination and harassment or ask for accommodations. If you do not have a dedicated human resources team, you should let staff know which employees are responsible for handling these types of reports. 

It’s also important that employees know they won’t be punished or retaliated against for reporting discrimination, participating in a lawsuit or investigation related to discrimination, or trying to oppose discrimination in the workplace. When employees report violations of the practice’s equal opportunity policies, their information should remain confidential during the investigation to the greatest extent possible. Employees should also clearly understand the consequences of violating your veterinary practices’ non-discrimination policies. 

Create an Employee Handbook

Every veterinary practice should have an employee handbook as the foundation for enforcing federal and state employment laws. This comprehensive handbook provides your veterinary practice with the necessary structure and guidance, ensuring that you are well-equipped to handle any employment-related issues that may arise. 

The manager may handle human resources and the veterinary practice’s day-to-day operations. Creating a detailed employee handbook could save time when incidents arise. Establishing expectations and rules will help you address disputes or concerns more quickly. When handbooks are followed, veterinary practices enjoy greater protection from employment lawsuits because they can clearly show how they have followed state and federal laws as directed by the handbook. 

Require Staff Training on Equal Employment Laws and Practices

After you have completed the employee handbook, you should call us for a staff meeting and train your staff on what the handbook means. Working with a veterinary attorney can help you stay aware of any important changes in state and federal employment laws. Because changes happen regularly, you should plan on hosting staff training on equal employment laws and practices at least once a year. Your attorney can help you update your handbook and note any changes to how equal employment issues will be addressed in the annual training.

Contact a Veterinary Practice Attorney Today

If you have questions about training your veterinary team on equal employment opportunities, speaking to an attorney can be helpful. Contact Mahan Law – Veterinary Attorney to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

Happy male veterinarian crouching next to the examination table and looking at the little cat lying on it. He is smiling and petting it.

Due Diligence Checklist for Acquiring a Veterinary Clinic

Are you considering acquiring a veterinary practice? Engaging in the due diligence process is not just a step to check off but a crucial reassurance before you do so. The due diligence process involves carefully evaluating the financial stability and performance of the veterinary practice you’re considering acquiring. It’s a process that will give you confidence in your decision. 

The due diligence process will help you identify any red flags before you commit to acquiring the practice. Completing a due diligence checklist before you acquire a veterinary clinic can help ensure the practice is a profitable investment. It’s a process that will make you feel knowledgeable about your potential investment.

A Financial Due Diligence Checklist

Financial due diligence helps potential buyers ensure the veterinary practice’s financial status is as favorable as the practice has claimed. It also ensures adequate cash flow to cover the practice’s expenses, including the loan you will likely take out to purchase the practice and any overhead. 

Additionally, financial due diligence will help you ensure the practice can generate enough income to cover your salary, living expenses, and staff members. You’ll need to acquire and investigate the following financial documents during the due diligence process:

  • At least three years of the practice’s tax return
  • Profit and loss statements
  • Bank statements and any other financial statements
  • Collections, as indicated on the general ledger
  • Staff salaries and benefit plans for retirement accounts
  • Documents showing how employees accrue vacation time
  • Commercial lease agreements 
  • Leasing contracts for equipment
  • Overhead costs, including costs for utilities, office management, payroll, advertising, equipment maintenance, laboratory fees, and other expenses
  • Agreements between the practice and third-party vendors
  • Any other contracts you’ll be assuming if you acquire the practice
  • A thorough list of all assets and liabilities

Legal Due Diligence Checklist

Legal due diligence involves a careful review of all legal documents. State and federal licensing requirements documents, lease agreements, and any lean agreements on the practice should be carefully considered. You should also carefully read current employment contracts to determine how an acquisition should be handled and which employees will stay after the purchase. A legal due diligence checklist for acquiring a veterinary practice includes checking the following documents:

  • Carefully reviewing the employee handbook
  • Consider the salaries and benefits for each employee according to their employment contracts
  • Discover whether any employees do not have current employment contracts and why
  • Review all leases including those for equipment and real estate to make sure the terms are fair and understand your responsibilities if you acquire the practice
  • Review all vendor contracts
  • Find out the status of intellectual property ownership

Practice Management Due Diligence Checklist

The due diligence process for practice management involves carefully considering how the practice is managed on a day-to-day basis. This process will usually require you to visit the veterinary practice so you can ask questions and see how the practice operates in person. Practice management due diligence checklists include evaluating:

  • Whether the seller wants to remain in the practice after the acquisition
  • Whether the space needs remodeling
  • Weather equipment needs to be replaced
  • Whether there is a balance between current and new patients
  • The type of care patients receive
  • The patient management software
  • The fee schedule
  • Ongoing, routine practice expenses 

Contact an Experienced Veterinary Practice Attorney

Although it is possible to conduct due diligence on your own, you could be putting yourself at risk by doing so. The team of professionals at Mahan Law has the experience and legal skills needed to handle every aspect of the due diligence process. If you’re considering acquiring a Veterinary practice, don’t hesitate to contact Mahan Law to schedule a free consultation.

Veterinarian examining German Shepherd Dog

Decoding Veterinary Practice Contracts: Key Clauses Every Vet Needs to Understand

Understanding the complexities of veterinary contracts is not just beneficial, it’s empowering for veterinary professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned veterinarian or fresh out of vet school, mastering the nuances of your employment contract can safeguard your career and financial well-being. 

Include a Clause Discussing Your Compensation Structure

Your veterinary employment contract should include detailed information about how and when you’ll be compensated. The clause should state your base salary, which is the guaranteed income you’ll receive regardless of the number of clients you treat or surgical procedures you perform. Including a base salary will ensure financial stability, especially if you are a new veterinarian. Some veterinary contracts state veterinarians receive payment via production-based pay, also called “pro-sal.” 

Under this structure, veterinarians will be paid a percentage of the revenue they generate for the practice. Consulting with an attorney can help you decide the best type of pay structure in line with your goals and career trajectory. An attorney can also negotiate the contract clause to increase your base income and pro-sal percentage.

Non-compete Clauses in Veterinary Contracts

Non-compete clauses can significantly impact your ability to earn a living as a veterinarian after you stop working for your current practice. Understanding these clauses and their implications is crucial. They limit how and where a veterinarian can practice after leaving an employer. Non-compete clauses should balance an employer’s business interests with the associate’s right to continue practicing as a veterinarian. Being aware of these clauses will help you make informed decisions about your career. 

Will you be required to move to continue practicing if you leave the practice? Veterinarians should carefully consider the scope of restrictions. Suppose you are a specialist in an area of veterinary practice. In that case, an attorney can help you negotiate for the non-compete clause to apply only to your specialty rather than practicing veterinary medicine as a whole.

Employment Benefits and Time Off

As an employee, your benefits are an important aspect of your total compensation package. In addition to your base pay, the contract should include a clause discussing your health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. These benefits are essential to your long-term professional development and financial health. 

As health insurance premiums are at an all-time high, negotiating a comprehensive and robust retirement plan will help you and your family financially secure. The contract clause discussing benefits should also clearly state the policies for paid time off and parental leave. You should also ensure the contract clearly states that you are covered by the veterinary practice’s malpractice liability insurance.

Renewal and Termination Clauses in Veterinary Contracts

Veterinary clauses should include a clause discussing when your employment contract can be extended or terminated, laying the groundwork for your employment relationship’s stability and longevity. It’s crucial that the clause clearly states the reasons for termination, such as misconduct or poor performance, as understanding these reasons can help you protect your job security. The clause should also specify how much notice either party needs to provide before termination, allowing adequate transition time. 

When renewing the employment contract, pay careful attention to any details regarding criteria that need to be met for the contract to be extended. An attorney can help you negotiate for an automatic renewal clause with predefined increases in salary or employment benefit enhancements based on your performance.

Contact an Experienced Veterinary Practice Attorney

Understanding important Clauses in your employment contract can help you make an informed decision when you begin working for a Veterinary practice. Discussing the contract with an attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations under the contract. Your attorney can also negotiate in pursuit of more favorable terms. Contact Mahan Law to schedule a free consultation.

Vet on a meeting on a computer with a female client

The Future of Veterinary Telemedicine: Legal Considerations

Many veterinary practices are embracing the future with veterinary telemedicine or telehealth appointments. This innovative approach allows pet owners to schedule a video call with their pet’s veterinarian, discuss their pet’s symptoms, and create a treatment plan, all from the comfort of their home. 

It’s a convenient way for pet owners to connect with a veterinarian, and it’s a step towards a more accessible and efficient veterinary care system. However, as a veterinary practice owner, it’s crucial to understand the legal considerations of offering telehealth veterinary appointments, including the potential for malpractice lawsuits.

What Is Veterinary Telehealth?

Veterinary telehealth, also called telemedicine, allows veterinarians to provide animal care through technology, including video calls, phone calls, texts, emails, photos, and videos. The pet doesn’t need to come into a veterinarian’s office to be seen physically. Instead, the owner can schedule a video or phone call with a veterinarian. Based on the telehealth appointment, a veterinarian may recommend bringing the pet in for a physical examination or may prescribe medication for the pet based on its symptoms.

Several states have enacted laws allowing veterinary telehealth appointments. Arizona recently passed Senate Bill 1053 into law, allowing veterinarians licensed in the state to provide telemedicine veterinary appointments. Veterinary telehealth appointments increase the ability of busy pet owners, potentially freeing up appointments for those whose pets need to see a veterinarian in person.

Legal Concerns When Using Veterinary Telehealth 

The legal issues surrounding veterinary telemedicine are complex and require careful consideration. Remote veterinary care is inherently different from a veterinarian examining a pet in person. The two main legal issues veterinarians offering telehealth services face are malpractice liability and licensing issues. It’s important to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Nearly all states in the U.S. require veterinarians to be licensed in the state where they practice. Issues can arise when a veterinarian treats a pet living in a state where they aren’t licensed. Other issues could involve a veterinarian contacting an out-of-state specialist. If a bad outcome occurs, which veterinarian can be held liable? As long as a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) has been established, the pet’s owner may be able to hold the tele-veterinarian specialist liable for medical malpractice.

Malpractice Claims Involving Telehealth Services

Does a 15- or 30-minute online consultation establish a VCPR? Ultimately, veterinary boards, government regulators, and courts will need to answer this question. Under current veterinary malpractice laws, the lack of a VCPR due to an in-person relationship could be evidence that a veterinarian has fallen below the minimum standard of care. 

Veterinarians offering telehealth appointments should be careful when developing a pet treatment plan. Suppose the veterinarian speaks to the pet owner and remains unsure of the pet’s diagnosis. In that case, they should recommend an in-person appointment to further evaluate the pet instead of prescribing medication. Veterinary practices offering telemedicine appointments should carry robust medical malpractice insurance. It is also important to speak to an attorney to develop best practices to decrease the risk of malpractice lawsuits.

Contact an Attorney for Veterinary Practices 

Whether you’re considering adding telehealth appointments to your veterinary practice or already offering them, Mahan Law is here to provide the legal support you need. We will review your veterinary telemedicine policies and help you develop a strategy to reduce the likelihood of malpractice lawsuits and protect your personal and business interests. Our goal is to give you the confidence to navigate the legal aspects of telehealth, so don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation. 

We provide experienced legal consulting services for veterinary practices throughout the United States, including the states of Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Female veterinarian hugging a beautiful golden retriever outside of an animal hospital. Looking at the camera and smiling. The doctor is wearing blue medical scrubs and a stethoscope around her neck.

Estate Planning for Veterinary Practice Owners

As the owner of a veterinary practice, it’s essential to protect the stability and success of your veterinary practice. As veterinarians progress in their careers, estate planning becomes more complex and important. 

Ensuring your veterinary practice is protected before and after your death is an essential aspect of estate planning. At Mahan Law, we routinely work with our client’s financial and tax advisors to create an effective, comprehensive estate planning strategy. Knowing you’re in control and prepared with an estate plan can give you a sense of empowerment and peace of mind.

Creating a Will or Trust for Veterinary Estate Planning

Creating a will or trust is an important aspect of estate planning for veterinarians. However, creating a last will and testament may not fully protect your assets. You may benefit from creating a living or irrevocable trust to protect your assets fully. 

Creating a trust and transferring your assets into the trust allows your beneficiaries to avoid the probate process, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, a trust can help you avoid estate taxes. Using a trust may help you limit your tax liability. 

Long-Term Care Planning

Long-term care planning is a crucial aspect of creating an estate plan as an attorney. As a veterinarian, you likely have malpractice insurance. It’s also important to have disability and long-term care insurance. Life insurance can give your loved ones the assets they need soon after you pass away. You may benefit from creating a life insurance trust to protect the proceeds from potential creditors. 

Mahan Law will work with you to ensure you have the robust insurance policies you need to access long-term care while protecting your assets for your beneficiaries. Another aspect of long-term care planning includes:

  • creating advance directives,
  • a healthcare power of attorney,
  • and a durable financial power of attorney who can make decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

This comprehensive planning will provide you with a strong sense of security.

Using a Succession Plan for Your Veterinary Practice

The first step in creating a business succession plan is ensuring that your business will continue to operate functionally and profitably. Our legal team can assess the best succession plan based on your goals and discuss questions like how your business will continue or whether it will be sold. 

For example, if you plan on selling your veterinary practice to another owner, we can help you create a plan. Preparing to sell your business can help you obtain the maximum value of compensation instead of needing to quickly sell the practice for a purchase price that is too low. 

If you’d like your practice to continue, consider the key players and how you plan to retain them in your veterinary practice after your death. You’ll also need to consider in what capacities you’d like your employees to be involved in managing your veterinary practice. Naming a new owner and practice manager in your successful plan can help your practice transition smoothly after you pass away. 

Contact an Attorney for Veterinary Practices Today

At Mahan Law, we are prepared to help you create a comprehensive estate plan that addresses your goals. As a veterinary practice owner, founding attorney Anthony A. Mahan understands the unique challenges veterinarians face during estate planning. We will take the time to understand your situation and goals to create an effective, comprehensive estate plan. Contact Mahan Law to schedule a free case evaluation today.

We provide experienced legal consulting services for veterinary practices throughout the United States, including the states of Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Small dog aggression concept in house scenery

When Pets Bite: Understanding Your Legal Obligations as a Veterinary Practice

While many pets are friendly and easy to treat, some who visit the veterinarian are stressed, in pain, or haven’t been socialized. These pets pose a risk of biting the veterinarian, a staff member, or another dog. Understanding your legal obligations as a veterinary clinic or hospital owner after a dog bite incident is crucial for protecting your practice. 

How Common Are Dog Bites at Veterinary Clinics?

Veterinarians, veterinary techs, and support staff are much more likely to suffer dog bite injuries than the general public. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports approximately three injuries for every 1,000 animal encounters at veterinary offices. 

The most common injuries caused by dog bites at veterinary clinics include injuries to the hands, fingers, and wrists. The most common type of dog bite injury at a veterinary clinic is a puncture wound, but lacerations, contusions, and other types of wounds can also occur.

Can a Veterinarian or Staff Member Sue a Customer for a Dog Bite?

If you’re a veterinary practice staff member and a customer’s dog has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through a legal claim. Generally, dog owners are liable for any injuries their pets cause. Veterinary practices are generally not liable when a customer’s dog bites unless they negligently monitored the animal, causing the attack.

Every state has passed laws that hold dog owners liable for injuries caused by their pets. In some states, the owner may be able to defend themselves by claiming the victim was aware of the dog’s dangerous nature before they were bitten. The dog’s owner may be able to avoid paying compensation by claiming the victim assumed the risk of handling a dangerous dog. 

There are some standard exceptions to the assumption of risk defense. For example, the victim may still be able to hold the dog’s owner liable and recover compensation if the owner still had complete control of the dog when the attack happened. 

For example, if a staff member walks by a dog sitting with its owner in the lobby and the dog lunges at them and bites them, they’d likely be able to sue the dog’s owner successfully. Additionally, the victim could be successful if the owner hides information from them indicating that the dog was especially dangerous. 

What to Do If a Customer’s Dog Attacks at Your Veterinary Practice

The steps you take after a dog bite attack are important. First, you should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. You should also report the incident to the police. Write down identifying information about the dog, take photographs of your wounds, and write how the incident occurred. 

Your next step should be to speak to an attorney. An attorney can review the facts of the incident and advise you on the best strategy to recover compensation, whether through a personal injury lawsuit, an insurance claim, or a workers’ compensation claim. 

Contact Our Experienced Nationwide Veterinary Lawyers

Speaking to a skilled attorney as soon as possible after the dog bite incident can help you protect yourself and your veterinary practice. At Mahan Law – Veterinary Attorney, our experienced attorneys will provide tailored legal guidance, help you understand your legal rights, and help you pursue any legal proceedings, if necessary. Don’t hesitate to contact Mahan Law – Veterinary Attorney to schedule a free case evaluation.

Woman veterinarian is with dog in the clinic.

Protecting Your Veterinary Brand: Trademark, Copyrights, and Intellectual Property 101

If you’re a busy veterinary practice owner, intellectual property may be the last thing on your mind. However, failing to protect your copyrights and trademarks could hurt your practice and prevent you from growing your brand. One of the best ways to protect your overall brand is to protect your intellectual property. This article will discuss how you can protect your trademarks and copyrights as a veterinary practice owner. 

What Types of Intellectual Property Can I Protect?

Any work or product resulting from someone’s original thought is considered intellectual property. As a veterinary practice owner, it’s important for you to take steps to protect your valuable intellectual property from being stolen. Common examples of a veterinary practice’s intellectual property include the following:

  • Business names
  • Inventions
  • Artwork
  • Logos and other designs
  • Written articles
  • Product names
  • Website content

Protecting Your Brand Through Trademarks

Taking the time to trademark the name of your veterinary process can help you compete and expand your practice. As a veterinarian, you know that your practice’s name and reputation go a long way toward your success. When customers choose a veterinarian, they want to be able to trust your practice to care for their beloved pets, who are often like family members. 

Creating a strong brand, including a trademarked name and logo, not only gives you a comprehensive brand for all of your services and products but also empowers you to protect your business from counterfeit products. It ensures customers don’t confuse you with another product, and allows your customers to locate you more easily on social media platforms. This strategic move can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and credibility. 

Filing for a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) gives you significant legal protection. Filing for trademark protection is relatively inexpensive and provides a trademark certificate valid for ten years increments in exchange for a small maintenance fee. Filing a trademark can also help you avoid litigation from another veterinary practice claiming you violated their trademarks. 

Copyrighting Your Veterinary Practice’s Website

As a veterinary practice owner, your website is an essential asset for your company. Many customers look at a business’s website, make an impression, and decide whether to book an appointment. 

You have the right to obtain a copyright for the eligible pages on your website because they include tangible, original, and creative work. When you publish your website online, it’s wise to register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office. If you work with a web developer, ensuring your contract ensures you own the copyright exclusively is important. 

An attorney can help you identify which parts of your website can be copyrighted and submit a completed application form, a filing fee, and a deposit. When you successfully apply, the U.S. Copyright Office will list your website on public record, providing potential copyright infringers notice. 

If a violator, such as a competitor, willfully copies your veterinary website, you can pursue damages of up to $150,000. This protection cannot only prevent others from using your content without permission but also enhance your reputation as a unique and innovative veterinary practice.

Contact Our Experienced Nationwide Veterinary Lawyers

To ensure comprehensive protection of your intellectual property as a veterinary practice owner, it’s crucial to seek guidance from an experienced veterinary lawyer. The skilled lawyers at Mahan Law are here to provide you with the necessary legal advice and assistance to protect your valuable intellectual property. Please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your business. 

a vet who is starting a veterinary practice in michigan and holding a bunny

Starting Your Veterinary Practice in Michigan: Legal Essentials You Must Know

If you are interested in opening a veterinary practice in the state of Michigan, you must make sure that you comply with your state’s legal requirements. Fortunately, however, you don’t need to be a legal expert to open your own practice. By hiring a knowledgeable veterinary lawyer, you can ensure that your new veterinary practice meets all of Michigan’s legal requirements. Specifically, your Michigan veterinary attorney will complete all required paperwork, filings, and contracts. For information on starting your own veterinary practice in Michigan, please contact the experienced veterinary attorneys at Mahan Law. 

I. Questions to Ask Yourself 

Starting your own veterinary practice is a major undertaking. So, before jumping into practice ownership, you should understand your goals and motivations for starting a practice. An excellent way to determine this is to ask yourself the following questions before you start the process: 

  • What are the reasons for wanting to open my own veterinary practice?
  • Where do I want to open my practice?
  • How large will my staff be?
  • What types of veterinary services will I offer? 
  • What can I do to make my practice successful? 

Answering questions like these will not only help you clarify your goals and motivations, but it can also help you identify the legal steps you must take to accomplish these goals. For additional information on the steps necessary to start a veterinary practice, please contact a veterinary practice lawyer.

II. Legal Requirements

After taking the steps above, you can begin the legal process of starting your practice. Although there are a number of valid ways to start a new veterinary practice, the basic legal steps are relatively uniform. For a complete list of the legal steps necessary to start a veterinary practice in Michigan, please contact an experienced veterinary lawyer. 

A. Structure Your Business

Before doing anything else, you should register your new veterinary practice as a legal business entity. Choosing the appropriate business structure can help protect you by ensuring that you and your personal property are legally separate from your new practice. This helps ensure that you won’t be held personally liable for legal judgements against your practice. To register your veterinary practice in Michigan as a legal entity, you must comply with multiple legal requirements, making it imperative to seek the assistance of an experienced Michigan veterinary lawyer.  

Depending on your chosen business structure, you will likely be required to register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. To get started, visit their website here

B. Create Tax Accounts 

Next, you must register to pay taxes. The first step in this process is to apply for a federal Employer Identification Number on the IRS’s website here. Next, you must address your new practice’s small business taxes. Depending on the business structure you choose for your practice, you will have several different options for meeting your tax obligations. For information on how to pay your state taxes in Michigan, click here

C. Create Business Accounts

Another key step when starting a new veterinary practice is establishing financial accounts for your practice. This is important for several reasons. For one, creating business accounts will protect your personal assets and property. Next, doing so may allow you to obtain financing in the name of your practice. Finally, by separating your personal and business assets, you can make it easier to keep track of your finances and file taxes. For assistance with these issues, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a financial professional.

D. Apply for Licenses and Permits

Finally, opening a new veterinary practice will require you to obtain several licenses and permits. Common permits and licenses that are required to open a veterinary practice include: 

  • State and local veterinary board certification
  • General business license
  • Zoning permit
  • Fire alarm permit
  • Sales tax on goods and services
  • OSHA requirements
  • Certificate of occupancy 
  • X-ray permit

Information on the permitting and licensing requirements in your local area may be obtained by contacting the appropriate local agencies. For additional information, please visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ website here.

E. Contact a Michigan Veterinary Attorney Today

Finally, if you would like to open your own veterinary practice in Michigan, you should contact an experienced veterinary attorney as soon as possible for assistance. Although the above information provides a great starting point for opening a veterinary practice in Michigan, it is not a substitute for an experienced Michigan veterinary attorney. Fortunately, at Mahan Law, our experienced veterinary legal professionals know what it takes to get a veterinary practice up and running. In addition to ensuring that you comply with all legal requirements, we will provide you with legal guidance on the regulations, rules, and requirements that apply to your local area. Please contact us to arrange an initial meeting with one of our experienced veterinary lawyers.

a women veterinarian looking over her trademarks and intellectual property on the computer

Protecting Your Veterinary Business: Trademarks and Intellectual Property

Just like other businesses, veterinary practices must take steps to ensure that their trademarks and intellectual property are protected. Unfortunately, however, many veterinary practice owners overlook this key issue. Failing to protect your intellectual property as a veterinary practice owner can place you at a major disadvantage in the marketplace. Therefore, it’s imperative that you work with an experienced veterinary practice attorney to protect your property. In this article, we discuss how to protect your intellectual property as a veterinary practice owner. 

What is Intellectual Property? 

Intellectual property is any work or product that is a result of a person’s original thought. As a business owner, it’s important to take steps to protect your intellectual property to keep other businesses from using it. Examples of intellectual property include:

  • Business names
  • Website content
  • Inventions
  • Artwork
  • Designs
  • Manuscripts
  • Articles
  • Product names 

Steps to Protecting Your Intellectual Property

As a veterinary practice owner, you should take steps to protect your business’s intellectual property. By following the steps below, you lower the odds of having to deal with the theft of your intellectual property. 

(1) Keep Your Trade Secrets and Business Ideas a Secret

Until you have taken the legal steps necessary to protect your intellectual property, you should avoid discussing it with others or publicly disclosing it. Any time you discuss confidential information about your business with others, you risk it being stolen. And if you are working with business partners, you should seek the assistance of an attorney to help you draft non-disclosure agreements.

(2) Document Your Original Content and Ideas

Any time you come up with original ideas and content related to your practice, you should document them. Plans, records, descriptions, and detailed drawings are examples of the types of documentation that can help protect your intellectual property. Such proof can be helpful if someone challenges you as the owner of your copyrights and trademarks. 

(3) Apply for a Trademark

Once you’ve chosen a name and logo for your veterinary practice, you should register them immediately. A memorable trademark that is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office will give you a significant advantage over your competitors.

(4) Register Your Intellectual Property, Creative Works, and Trade Secrets

Finally, in addition to your trademarks, you should work with an experienced veterinary attorney to register the remainder of your assets. When doing so, you should write down all the details of your intellectual property in order to register and distinguish it from similar existing ideas. 

Contact Our Experienced Nationwide Veterinary Lawyers 

As a veterinary practice owner, it’s important to protect your intellectual property. For assistance with protecting your veterinary practice’s intellectual property, you should contact an experienced veterinary lawyer. At Mahan Law, our experienced and knowledgeable veterinary professionals are here to help you take the legal steps necessary to ensure that your intellectual property remains protected. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation with a talented veterinary attorney.