The Rise of “Pet Custody” Laws: What Veterinarians Should Know
Increasingly, certain states are allowing courts to weigh in on the custody of pets when couples divorce or separate. In those states, courts no longer treat pets like furniture or other assets. Instead, they are beginning to account for the unique emotional factors that come with pet ownership. Judges in states with...
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Who Pays the Vet Bill? Legal Questions When Ownership of a Pet Is Disputed
A pet ownership dispute can put your veterinary practice in a tough spot. When two or more people claim rights over the same animal, your practice may be the only neutral party involved. That’s a risky position to be in. Your practice could face complaints, payment disputes, or legal threats even if...
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What Increases—or Decreases—the Value of a Veterinary Practice in 2026
When a veterinary practice owner considers selling their practice or bringing in investors, they will want to maximize the practice’s valuation to get the most for the work they’ve put into building their business. But what factors can increase or decrease the value of a practice? Knowing what affects valuation can help...
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Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Veterinary Advertising and Online Reviews
Veterinary practices rely on reputation, referrals, and online visibility, but not all marketing tactics are legally safe. Misleading ads, improper use of client reviews, and unintentional regulatory violations can expose your practice to fines or license issues, not to mention pushback from your existing and prospective client bases.
As...
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From Associate to Owner: Legal Steps for Buying Into a Veterinary Practice
Buying into a veterinary practice gives you a long-term stake in the business you’ve helped build. But practice ownership comes with legal steps you can’t afford to ad lib. Here’s what you need to know about what to check, what to negotiate, and how to protect your investment before you sign anything.
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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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