Offer These Veterinary Employee Benefits to Hire (and Retain) Top Talent

Attracting and keeping talented veterinary professionals requires more than just a paycheck. In this field, where stress levels run high and burnout is all too common, your practice should offer veterinary employee benefits that address your staff’s particular needs.

Let’s look at the perks that modern veterinary employees value.

1. Health and Wellness Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics

Health insurance is a must for most job seekers, and veterinary employees are no exception. But the standard health, dental, and vision package may not be enough to win over – and retain – top-tier talent. Veterinary workers often face physical and emotional challenges in their day-to-day work, so offering a veterinary benefits package that addresses both can make a big difference.

Here are a few options to consider:

• Mental health support: The emotional toll of working with sick animals and grieving pet owners can’t be overstated. Providing access to counseling or an employee assistance program (EAP) can show employees you’re serious about their mental well-being.
• Wellness stipends: Cover the cost of gym memberships, yoga classes, or other wellness-oriented programs. Small investments here can yield big returns in morale, engagement, productivity, and retention. 
• Pet health benefits: We’ll explore pet perks in more detail later in this list, but offering pet insurance as part of your health benefits package is a highly valued option – especially in this industry.

2. Flexible Scheduling to Fight Burnout

Let’s be real: Veterinary clinics can’t always stick to a nine-to-five schedule. Emergencies happen, and shifts can run long. But when long hours become the norm, you risk losing your best people to burnout.

Flexible scheduling – whether that’s a four-day workweek, part-time options, or the ability to swap shifts – can help employees feel more in control of their time. Encouraging staff to use their vacation days (and maybe even offering an incentive for doing so) sends a clear message that you value their time away from work.

3. Professional Growth Opportunities

No one wants to feel stuck in their career. Veterinary employees, from receptionists to seasoned veterinarians, appreciate workplaces that support their professional development. This doesn’t have to mean sending everyone to expensive conferences (though that’s great if you can swing it).

Consider these options:

• Continuing education: Covering expenses for courses, workshops, or certifications allows staff to expand their skills and stay current with industry advancements – and shows that their learning and growth matter to you.
• Mentorship programs: Pairing less experienced staff with accomplished professionals encourages knowledge sharing and career development.
• On-site training: Host workshops, bring in guest speakers, or invest in cross-training programs to help staff expand their skill sets.
• Clear career paths: Lay out a roadmap for growth within your practice. Employees want to see that their hard work can lead to something bigger.

4. Competitive Pay and Creative Financial Perks

It’s no secret that many veterinary professionals graduate with significant student debt. While a competitive salary is always important, your practice can stand out by offering other, less common financial benefits.

Think about including:

• Student loan repayment assistance: This perk is becoming more common in the industry and can be a huge draw for early-career veterinarians.
• Licensure reimbursement: By reimbursing staff for their required licenses, you’re acknowledging their importance to your practice.
• Bonuses and profit sharing: Recognize exceptional performance with an employee incentive program, offer retention bonuses, or share the clinic’s success through profit-sharing programs.
• Retirement plans: A simple 401(k) with employer matching can go a long way in helping employees feel financially secure.

5. Positive Workplace Culture and Recognition

Veterinary employees often work under intense pressure. Taking the time to recognize their efforts can create a more supportive workplace culture. Something as simple as a handwritten thank you note or a shoutout in a team meeting can boost morale.

If you want to go further:

• Consider gifts for veterinary staff to celebrate their achievements, milestones, and special occasions.
• Offer team-building activities or events to strengthen relationships and camaraderie.
• Conduct regular check-ins to give employees a chance to share their concerns and feedback.

6. Pet-Related Benefits

It’s no surprise that people in the veterinary field love animals. Offering veterinary employee benefits that extend to their pets’ wellness can be a powerful way to show your employees you’re on the same page.

Here’s what you can offer:

• Pet health insurance: Cover all or part of the cost of pet insurance policies.
• Pet care discounts: Many clinics already offer discounts on services, but expanding these benefits to include products, medications, or even free annual exams can go a long way.
• Pet-related leave: Allowing time off for pet care or bereavement acknowledges the importance of pets in employees’ lives. A few companies have begun to offer “pawternity leave” for new or sick pets.

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7. Stay Interviews

If you want to know what’s working and what isn’t, ask your employees. Conducting stay interviews – informal conversations about what keeps staff engaged and what could drive them away – can help you get ahead of potential issues. Unlike exit interviews, these happen while you still have time to act.

Ask questions like:

• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• Are there benefits or perks you wish we offered?
• What would make your job easier or more fulfilling?

Acting on their feedback shows you’re listening, which can increase loyalty and retention.

8. Customizable Benefits

When it comes to benefits, one size doesn’t fit all. Your team is made up of individuals with different needs. A single benefits package won’t satisfy everyone. Think about offering a cafeteria-style plan, where employees can pick and choose the perks that matter most to them.

For example, one person might prioritize extra vacation days, while another opts for additional continuing education funding. Aim for a veterinary employee benefits package that appeals to employees across generations, in different stages of life, and with varying needs.

Veterinary employees are passionate, hardworking, and deeply committed to what they do. But that dedication comes with challenges, from emotional stress to physical fatigue. By offering a thoughtful mix of veterinary employee perks – focused on health, flexibility, financial support, and personal growth – you can attract and retain the kind of talent that makes your practice thrive.

For more guidance, tips, and expert knowledge, visit our Employer Resource Center.