What does it take to turn a new veterinary practice from an idea into a functioning clinic with the right location, team, systems, and community support? In this episode of The Veterinary Ledger, Meghan Bingham sits down with Dr. Larry Keller, co-owner of Queen City Veterinary Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. After spending 19 years at an established hospital, Larry changed direction and built a locally owned practice with his wife, Dr. Heather Keller. The conversation explores the realities of opening a veterinary clinic, including choosing a location near an established client base, navigating zoning and construction delays, hiring before the opening date was certain, and responding to unexpected operational setbacks. Larry also shares how Queen City Veterinary Clinic was intentionally built around three priorities: supporting the team, serving the community, and creating a sustainable practice for its owners. The discussion covers pre-opening team building, transparent communication, local partnerships, administrative time, break-even targets, and the importance of surrounding a startup with trusted professional advisors. Questions Answered in This Episode Q: Why should veterinary startups expect their opening timeline to change? A: Zoning, architectural plans, construction, inspections, and occupancy approvals can each create delays. A realistic startup plan should include additional time and financial flexibility instead of assuming every stage will stay on its original schedule. Q: How can a new practice begin building culture before opening? A: Bring employees together before the first day, establish clear priorities, communicate openly, and involve the team in decisions such as hiring. Treating the practice as a shared workplace encourages employees to contribute ideas and take ownership of its success. Q: How can a new veterinary clinic establish itself in the community? A: Build relationships with neighboring businesses, participate in local events, offer useful education, and create visible connections to local clients and pets. Community involvement works best when it is part of the practice’s identity rather than a one-time marketing campaign. Q: How can an owner balance medicine, management, and financial oversight? A: Learn the essential workflows before delegating them, protect specific blocks for administrative work, and understand monthly expenses and daily break-even needs. These systems should be reviewed as appointment volume grows and the owner has less unscheduled time. Q: Which advisors should be involved in a veterinary startup? A: A startup commonly needs an accountant, attorney, lender, real estate professional, contractor, and other specialists. Each advisor should understand the veterinary industry, their role in the project, and the owner’s goals. Asking for expert advice only creates value when the owner is prepared to evaluate and act on it. Resources: The Granite Peak team-building resource referenced in the conversation is: Leveraging Real Estate to Improve Practice Profitability with Stefan Zelich The discussion of the accountant, attorney, lender, real estate broker, architect, contractor, equipment provider, and IT partner begins around 39:14. Where to Find Dr. Larry KellerWebsite: queencityvetclinic.com Email: info@queencityvetclinic.com Social: @queencity.vets
