Starting a Veterinary Clinic: Advice from an FKH Alumnus

Starting a veterinary clinic business requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and strategic planning. In a recent Veterinary Entrepreneur Talk organized by the Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Dr. Sancaka Chasyer Ramandinianto, the owner of Lingkar Satwa Animal Care, shared valuable insights for beginners looking to venture into this field.

One of the key components emphasized by Dr. Sancaka is the Lifecycle Business Model, which outlines the different stages of business development. The Seed Phase involves conceptualizing the business idea and selecting suitable partners for its execution. The Start-Up Phase focuses on introducing the main product to the market and evaluating its reception. Subsequently, the Growth and Establishment Phase entails expanding the client base, enhancing human resources, and automating work processes. The Expansion Phase involves diversifying products and services, while the Maturity Phase signifies stable sales, profitability, and competitiveness.

Choosing the right business partner is crucial, with Dr. Sancaka suggesting a 70% emphasis on this aspect during the Seed Phase. Various approaches, such as resource-based, relational-based, and competency-based, should be considered when selecting partners to ensure a well-rounded team with complementary skills and resources.

Understanding regulations is another vital aspect of starting a veterinary clinic business. The Minister of Agriculture Regulation outlines different categories of veterinary medical services, including therapeutic transaction practices such as Independent Practice Veterinarian, Animal Clinic, Animal Hospital, and more. Compliance with these regulations is essential for operating a legal and reputable veterinary clinic.

One common weakness observed in traditional veterinary clinics is poor administrative management, particularly in maintaining accurate medical records and documentation. The digitalization of management processes can significantly improve efficiency and facilitate better business progress tracking, evaluation, and planning.

In conclusion, Dr. Sancaka emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between scientific professionalism, professional skills, and business acumen in the veterinary clinic industry. By integrating these aspects effectively, veterinary clinic owners can unlock unlimited value and ensure sustainable growth in their businesses.

Aspiring entrepreneurs in the veterinary field can benefit greatly from understanding these key components and strategies shared by industry experts like Dr. Sancaka. By incorporating these insights into their business plans, they can set a solid foundation for success in the competitive veterinary clinic market.