Veterinary Business Advisors, Inc.

05/13/2026

Veterinary employment contracts are about far more than salary. Non compete clauses, signing bonuses, repayment obligations, production structures, and equity agreements can all have long term implications for your career and professional flexibility.

In this episode of the Equine Express Podcast, Dr. Charlotte Lacroix discusses key considerations for veterinarians and practice owners when negotiating contracts, including how to evaluate restrictive covenants, retention incentives, and ownership opportunities in today’s evolving veterinary market.

A great resource for associates and employers alike navigating contract negotiations and building stronger long term practice relationships.

Learn how non-compete clauses, retention bonuses, and equity agreements affect equine veterinary employment contracts in this Equine Express podcast episode.

05/07/2026

Minority equity share offers are becoming more common in veterinary medicine, but many associates do not fully understand the risks, restrictions, and long term implications tied to these agreements.

Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD, joined The Business of Practice podcast to discuss the key questions veterinarians should ask before accepting an equity offer, including vesting schedules, noncompetes, valuation, buy back provisions, and what happens if employment ends.

A worthwhile listen for any veterinarian considering an ownership or equity opportunity.

Listen here:

Podcast Episode · Business of Practice Podcast · April 28 · 25m

04/22/2026

Kellie had the opportunity to contribute to this American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Trends article, and it hits on something I see all the time when working with practices. Most teams are not struggling with auditing because they don’t care or aren’t trying hard enough. They’re struggling because the workflow itself makes it almost impossible to get it right consistently.

When records are incomplete, charges are missed, or things fall through the cracks, it’s usually not a people problem. It’s a systems problem. If auditing feels like “extra work” at the end of the day, it’s never going to stick. But when the workflow is built so that documentation, communication, and charging happen naturally as part of patient care, everything gets easier. Less stress, fewer mistakes, and a much stronger team overall.

This is one of those areas where small operational changes can make a really big difference.

Medical record and invoice auditing is difficult mainly due to lack of time, but answers to auditing challenges may already be at hand.

04/14/2026

Value does not change. Environment does. We see this every day in veterinary medicine.

A highly skilled associate, a dedicated technician, or a capable leader can feel overlooked in one practice and truly supported in another. The difference is not talent. It is culture, leadership, and alignment.

When burnout or disengagement shows up, it is often not a people problem. It is an environment problem.

At Veterinary Business Advisors, we help practices build workplaces where people are seen, supported, and positioned to succeed. We also help individuals step back and evaluate whether their current environment actually reflects their value.

The goal is not to force fit people into the wrong environment. It is to create and identify environments where they can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Strong culture. Intentional leadership. Thoughtful HR strategy.

That is where the difference is made.

12/06/2025

So excited for the AAEVT/AAEP 2025 Annual Convention. Even more special because Dr. Lacroix is speaking this year! The theme Adventure with Tenacity fits her perfectly. Proud to see her share her voice and represent our profession with so much heart. Here’s to learning, connecting, and going through this adventure together.

11/17/2025

In veterinary medicine, every one of us plays a role in making this profession stronger... whether we work in a hospital, a lab, a classroom, a consulting firm, a supplier, a tech company, or anywhere in between.

Veterinarians, technicians, assistants, CSRs, managers, reps, consultants, educators, thought leaders, and support teams, we all show up because we care deeply about animals, people, and this profession. And while our roles may differ, our challenges often feel the same: burnout, compassion fatigue, understaffing, changing industry demands, and the pressure to keep doing more.

That’s why supporting each other isn’t optional ... it’s essential.

We need to normalize connection, collaboration, and asking for help. We need to celebrate shared wins rather than compete for them. We need to recognize that everyone in this ecosystem deserves respect, belonging, and a voice at the table.

To everyone who keeps this profession moving forward whether you’re in the exam room, behind the scenes, or out in the field: I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m committed to being part of a veterinary community that lifts each other up instead of wearing each other down.

We are better together. And when we support each other across hospitals, companies, and professional roles we create a stronger, healthier future for veterinary medicine.

08/06/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of this loss. Our thoughts are with the family and the entire Long Valley Animal Hospital team as they navigate this difficult time. We extend our heartfelt condolences and stand with you in support and sympathy. 🕊️

💔 It is with heavy hearts that we share with our clients and community the tragic passing of our beloved Dr. Lauren Semanchik. Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all.

While we have much more we can say regarding our thoughts, feelings and heartfelt stories of Dr. Semanchik, we will take a moment with our staff to navigate through this unprecedented process and remain closed this week, reopening on MONDAY 8.11.25.

We ask for patience as our Long Valley Animal Hospital family mourns this devastating loss.
One of our team members will reach out directly if you had an upcoming appointment with us this week. We will share information regarding donations in her honor and a memorial in the near future.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.

Additionally, a GoFundMe has been started as of 8/4/25. Thank you and Please Share https://gofund.me/950df41c

Sincerely,
Jennifer
Practice Manager

07/02/2025

🎉🎈Nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a surprise balloon explosion! 🎈🎉

We filled our amazing HR Consultant Kellie’s office with balloons to celebrate her special day because someone who spends so much time taking care of others absolutely deserves to feel the love!

Happy Birthday to the one who keeps us grounded, growing, and always laughing. Cheers to another year of impact, heart, and a whole lot of balloons! 💕🎂

06/25/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to our fearless leader - Dr. Lacroix! 🎉

Wishing you a fantastic day filled with all the things that bring you joy. Your dedication, vision, and energy make a big impact every day — and today we’re just glad to take a moment to celebrate you.

Here’s to a new year of great things ahead. Enjoy every minute! 🥂🎂

06/13/2025

We are excited to share that our very own Charlotte Lacroix is in beautiful Key West, Florida this week, speaking to a VMG group about leadership and managing teams in veterinary practices! Charlotte is passionate about helping practice owners and managers strengthen their leadership skills, and run thriving, successful hospitals. We are proud to have her representing us and sharing her expertise with this fantastic group. Safe travels, Charlotte, and we look forward to hearing all about it!