The Top Veterinary Business Loans

As a veterinary practice owner, you’re more than a doctor—you’re a small business owner, too. And although your primary concern will always be caring for animals, it makes sense to be concerned about your practice’s finances from time to time. But business loans—or, more specifically for your scenario, veterinary business loans—exist to help quell the latter.

If you’ve done any research into veterinary practice financing up until this point, though, you’ll know that there are several types of business loans on the market. That’s especially true since online lenders, and their multifaceted offerings, have become more prominent and trustworthy in recent years.

To help you navigate this search, here’s an overview of the types of financing that make the most sense for veterinary practices. Once you understand these options, you can review your own financials to choose what will make the most sense for your unique practice.

The Top Veterinary Business Loans

Veterinary Practice Loans From Banks

If you need veterinary practice financing, it makes sense to first explore the option that’s tailored specifically for that purpose—and that’s likely going to be the least-expensive financing option, too.

As you probably know, bank loans can offer qualified borrowers some of the lowest interest rates, highest loan amounts, and longest repayment periods on the lending market. And lucky for vets, some banks offer loans designed expressly for veterinarians to open new offices, expand their existing practices, purchase equipment, secure general working capital, and more.

It’s always best to start your search for a bank loan with the institution that has a branch near your home or office, since you’ll likely need to apply for bank financing in person. That said, take a look at Bank of America, Live Oak Bank, and Bankers Healthcare Group, all of which offer specialized veterinary practice loans.

Do know that it’s not easy to qualify for a bank loan, however, as banks are notoriously risk-averse. In your loan application, be prepared to show evidence of steady profitability and a strong credit score, and you may need to provide sufficient collateral, too.

Ultimately, the only way to know whether you’re eligible for a veterinary business loan from your bank is to speak with them directly.

SBA 7(a) Loan

Yet another highly coveted loan, SBA 7(a) loans are disbursed by banks but guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, a federal agency that helps American businesses grow and thrive. Because of that government backing, banks are a bit less risk-averse in approving SBA loans, which makes these loans more accessible to borrowers who may not otherwise qualify for bank financing.

Which is not to say that SBA loans are easy to qualify for by any means. On top of meeting SBA eligibility requirements, you’ll need to go through a lengthy loan application, provide a good amount of documentation, and give your lender a detailed explanation of your business and your intention for your loan funds. All in, the application and approval process can take up to a few weeks—so if you’re in a time crunch, an SBA loan might not work for you right now.

That said, SBA loans are sought-after for a reason: Loan amounts range between $5,000 and $5 million, interest rates begin at 6.75%, and repayment terms can extend up to 25 years, depending on the project you’re financing.

And while the SBA offers several loan programs, SBA 7(a) loans are by far the most flexible, and the most apt for financing several facets of your veterinary practice: purchase equipment, buy real estate to expand your practice, acquire another practice, or use as general working capital, among other approved use-cases.     

Term Loan From an Online Lender

Term loans are the most apt type of loan if you need to finance a single, large purchase. But if you can’t yet qualify for an SBA or conventional bank loan, you’re not out of luck! Consider applying for a term loan from an online lender, instead.

Online lenders literally exist to offer those business owners whom banks turned down access to fast capital, so they’re much easier to qualify for than traditional institutions. The approval and funding process is super-fast, too, which makes this the best option if you need access to funds ASAP.

Because they’re working with a “riskier” pool of borrowers, though, alternative lenders need to protect their interests in case a customer defaults. For that reason, short-term loans will have higher interest rates, shorter repayment periods, and lower loan amounts than bank loans. But, as always, your loan’s price and terms are contingent largely upon your credit history, business financials, intended use of funds, and the particular lender you’re working with.

Generally, short-term loan terms last between three and 18 months, interest rates start at 10%, and amounts range between $2,500 and $250,000. Standard term loans are generally repaid over one to five years, interest rates range from 7%-30%, and loan amounts max out at $500,000.

Business Line of Credit

Almost every small business owner, vets included, can benefit from having a business line of credit in their back pocket. Other than a credit card, these renewable resources are one of the most effective financing tools for accessing emergency cash—whether you need to furnish wages for a new group of hires, replace a broken piece of equipment, or meet increased demand after launching a successful small business marketing initiative.

The great thing about a business line of credit is that you don’t need to tap into it—or, as a result, pay interest on it—until you need those funds. Just pull whatever amount you need, when you need it. After you’ve repaid what you owe, your line will replenish itself back to its original amount.

Lots of online lenders offer business lines of credit, so these loans are easier to qualify for, and faster to receive, than bank or SBA loans. Plus, lines of credit work well in tandem with other forms of financing. Use your line of credit to supplement an existing term loan, or to tide you over while you apply for larger loans and wait for funds to come through.  

Equipment Loan

Other than your skills and experience, as a vet you rely on your equipment to take the best possible care of your patients—but that equipment doesn’t come cheap. That’s why vets who need to purchase, lease, or upgrade their most crucial tools should first consider equipment financing.

In this scenario, you’ll approach your lender with a quote for the equipment you need. Depending on the equipment’s value, your lender will front you 80%-90% of the cash you need to purchase those tools. Just like any other loan, you’ll repay your lender, plus interest, over a predetermined amount of time—and when you’ve met your debt obligation, you’ll fully own that equipment.

Equipment loans are self-collateralized, which means that if a borrower defaults, the lender will simply reclaim the equipment they’re financing. That’s a built-in safety net, so in general lenders are more willing to furnish equipment loans to applicants with challenged credit scores.   

Business Credit Card

As you know from managing your personal financials, credit cards are hands-down the most convenient way to pay for your incidentals. There’s no reason why you can’t use a credit card to pay for your veterinary practice’s small daily purchases, too.   

But as a business owner, it’s important that you use a dedicated business credit card for any purchases you make for your practice, whether it’s a staff lunch, gas for your car when you’re making a house call, or a new blood pressure monitor.

Separating your personal and business expenses is important for so many reasons (including tax purposes). But in particular, responsibly using a business credit card can help you build business credit, which may help you secure bigger veterinary business loans down the line. Plus, credit limits for business credit cards are higher than those for consumer credit cards, which gives you much more flexibility to make large purchases without worrying about maxing out your line. Not to mention, too, that your business will benefit from your card’s special perks.

The right business credit card for your veterinary practice mainly depends on what your personal credit score will qualify you for, as well as the perks and rewards you want to take advantage of. But it’s safe to say that every business owner can use a little extra cash—so you can’t go wrong by opting for a cash back card. The Capital One Spark Cash for Business is an especially solid choice: Every time you swipe, you’ll get 2% cash back, with no limit to the amount of cash you can earn.

Which Veterinary Business Loan Is Right for Your Practice?

As we mentioned, the veterinary business loan that makes sense for your practice depends largely on what you need to use your funds for. For instance, the type of loan that can help you purchase commercial property to open a second location might not be the same that can help you purchase a brand-new X-ray system. (Probably, a bank or SBA 7(a) loan would work best for the former scenario, while an equipment loan makes sense for the latter.)

Remember, though, that these loans aren’t all mutually exclusive. In particular, business lines of credit make excellent supplementary resources to larger term loans, and every small business owner should have a good business credit card in their pocket (and use it responsibly).  

And, of course, the business loan that’s really best for your practice is the one you can qualify for and afford. Contact a loan specialist who can help you crunch the numbers, so you can spend your time and energy on taking care of your animals.

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