I think Aubie hit on a lot of points. I started on a flat salary for my first few years and always felt I got shorted. So I would recommend a pro-sal type setup but some new grads are timid due to having no established clientele. It really depends on how motivated she is to work. I am on my third new grad working for me and one was a complete flop. She didn't want to work hard and be busy. She just wanted to cuddle puppies and kittens all day. If she works hard and practices good medicine then she will be fine. The real world is a lot different then vet school. I love emergency and that's how I used to make extra money and then ultimately bought into practice and turned into a 24/7 clinic. It's tough work but like he said it's great experience.

I never had an attorney go over my contracts initially. Just don't be scared to ask for things. Most clinics will offer health insurance and 401k with a matching option but I pay my own disability. It's $200 a month but being that I hunt and fish a lot I'm always worried I'll have an accident and can't work so I keep it. Starting salary is going to depend a lot on clinic size, volume, are they higher cost. You spay a 100 animals at shelter vs 100 animals at high end private practice your compensation is going to be different because the medicine and quality are different. I would say starting average is 75k. But like I said in a pro sal situation your base is maybe 75 but if you produce equivalent of 100k then you get paid on 100k. If she finds an area she likes then pay attention to things like a no compete so they don't block her from working in that area should she leave. I'd shoot for 18-20% production across the board excluding refills.

If she has any other questions post them and we can all help out.

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Posted by SportTiger1

Stonewall, LA

Member since Feb 2007

28504 posts

Posted on 3/8/17 at 12:01 am to LSUVET82

Why does a vet need disability insurance more than any other profession? I assume 90% of society doesn't have disability.

Honest question. Just wondering whats different. Do DRs carry insurance as well?

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Posted by DownSouthDave

Beau, Bro, Baw

Member since Jan 2013

7386 posts

Posted on 3/8/17 at 5:37 am to LSUVET82

quote:
Those fricking loans tho

You aren't kidding. She has about 175k in student loans. It's going to slow us down for a second, but we will get through them. It's a hell of an anchor to start off with though.

I appreciate the offer in Dallas, but we are trying to stay local. I know it's easier to find a spot if you're willing to relocate, we just aren't at that point yet.

She doesn't want to work emergency and I don't really want her to. I dated an emergency vet before and it was tough. We had completely opposite schedules and it was no fun. She did pretty well in emergency though, made enough to get her own practice up and running. Plus, after getting her arse kicked for 4 years, I think she's ready for normal hours and a normal schedule. Can't say I blame her.

Does an entry level vet typically have much leverage? I realize all situations are different, I guess I'm asking if clinics are typically open to hiring a new vet on with a percentage based contract vs a salary? She's definitely more of a worker than a cuddle puppies all day type and my guess is that she would do better with a percentage.

So vets get a cut of prescriptions and rx food? I had no idea.