What Veterinarians Need to Know About Informed Consent in 2026
Informed consent has always been part of veterinary care, but the expectations around it keep changing. Today, veterinarians are under more pressure to explain tests, treatment options, and surgery risks in a clear, honest way. Clients want to understand what’s happening with their pets, especially as new technology and telemedicine become more...
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Beyond “Property”: How the Law Is Changing the Way Pets Are Valued
Courts and lawmakers across the country are changing how they consider companion animals in legal matters. For decades, pets were treated as personal property—the same as furniture or other personal items—in legal disputes. But now, that view is starting to shift.
States such as Illinois, Alaska,
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Year-End Review: What Veterinary Practice Owners Should Ask Their Attorneys
The end of the year often prompts veterinary practice owners to take stock, determine whether the business has met its goals over the past year, and prepare the company to meet its goals for the coming year. The critical nature of a year-end review makes it essential for owners to consult their...
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Legal Steps to Prepare Your Veterinary Practice for Sale
Are you thinking about selling your veterinary practice to exit from ownership or as part of your retirement? If so, taking a concerted effort to prepare the practice for a sale can help maximize the business’s value, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your hard work. This process involves the following...
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FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Clauses: What Veterinary Practices Need to Know
Non-compete clauses have long been a staple in veterinary employment contracts, designed to prevent veterinarians or staff from leaving a practice and immediately competing nearby. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a sweeping ban on non-compete agreements across the United States. If adopted, this rule could significantly reshape how...
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Corporate Consolidator vs. Private Buyer: What to Know Before Selling Your Vet Practice
Selling your veterinary practice is one of the biggest financial and professional decisions you will make. One of the first choices you’ll face is whether to sell to a corporate consolidator, such as a private equity-backed group, or to a private buyer, such as another veterinarian or a small partnership. Each path...
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How a Veterinary Attorney Supports the Practice Sale Process
Selling a veterinary practice is more than a business transaction—it’s the culmination of years of work, relationships, and investment. Whether you're retiring, relocating, or transitioning to a different role, it’s critical to ensure that your sale is legally sound and financially secure.
At Mahan Law, we help veterinarians...
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Production-Based Compensation Trends
Production-based pay structures have become increasingly common in veterinary practices across the country. For many associate veterinarians, this model offers the potential for higher earnings—if structured fairly. But for others, unclear contract terms, unrealistic expectations, or shifting clinic policies can lead to confusion and under-compensation.
At Mahan Law,...
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How Entity Choice Impacts Your Veterinary Lease and Liability
Choosing the right legal entity for your veterinary practice is more than a tax or business structure decision—it directly affects your liability, including how lease agreements are negotiated and enforced. Whether you’re just starting your clinic or expanding into a new location, the structure you select—such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC,...
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How to Negotiate Favorable Lease Terms for Your Vet Clinic
Opening or relocating a veterinary clinic involves many big decisions, and your lease agreement is one of the most important. A commercial lease isn’t just about rent—it sets the foundation for how your practice will operate for years to come. The wrong lease terms can limit your flexibility, increase your costs, or...
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Understanding Triple Net Leases for Veterinary Practices
Leasing commercial space is one of the most significant overhead expenses veterinary practices face. While standard leases are common, many landlords offer (or require) what’s known as a triple net lease (NNN). If you’re considering this type of lease for your clinic, it’s essential to understand what you’re agreeing to—and how it...
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Partnership or Employment? Legal Considerations for Vets Joining an Existing Practice
When a veterinarian joins an existing clinic, one of the first decisions they must make is whether to come on as an employee or pursue an ownership role as a partner. On the surface, both options may seem similar—you’ll treat animals, serve clients, and be part of a team. But legally, these...
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