Start-Ups & Acquisitions
We know how exciting the path to practice ownership is. We also know how important it is to choose your first steps wisely. We are here to guide you through every step of the journey.
Let’s make your dream a reality.
Turn your vision into reality
Achieving your dream of ownership starts here.
Launching, acquiring, or expanding a veterinary practice is one of the most exciting (and challenging) decisions you’ll make in your career. At Blue Heron Consulting, we partner with veterinarians at every stage of ownership, helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance.
Whether you’re exploring your first practice, expanding to new locations, or navigating the early months as a new owner, our team provides the strategic support you need to succeed.
Our Start-Up & Acquisition Coaching team is more than a resource—we’re your trusted partner. With years of experience helping veterinarians across the country launch and grow successful practices, we know what it takes to move from vision to reality.
For more information about our Start-Up & Acquisitions services, Schedule a Conversation.
Dependable, expert support every step of the way
Practice ownership is a journey. Whether you’re just starting out, preparing to acquire a hospital, or growing something that’s already yours. At Blue Heron Consulting, we don’t just help you get from Point A to Point B. We walk the path with you.
Our Start-Ups & Acquisitions department exists to make ownership more accessible, more strategic, and more successful for veterinarians who are ready to take the next step with confidence. With deep industry experience and boots-on-the-ground support, we serve as your planning partner, sounding board, and accountability coach.
We partner with veterinarians at all stages of the ownership journey, including:
Aspiring owners who are thinking of or ready to start or buy their first veterinary practice
Expanding owners looking to open additional locations or enhance current operations
New owners navigating the early months of running a practice after opening day
Current owners seeking clarity around feasibility, financing, and growth strategy
Start-Up & Acquisition Solutions
We know that ownership looks different for everyone. That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we meet you where you are and provide the coaching, insight, and tools to help you move forward on your terms. If you’re dreaming of ownership—or determined to make the most of it—we’re here to help you build something sustainable and meaningful.
Our department offers a suite of services designed to bring clarity, confidence, and momentum to your ownership goals:
Feasibility Study
An in-depth, data-driven analysis of your market, finances, and growth potential. Ideal for anyone weighing the risks and rewards of starting, acquiring, or expanding a practice, as well as deciding among various locations.
Start-Up & Acquisition Coaching
Step-by-step guidance from exploration to opening day. We build a personalized roadmap and walk with you through the details of funding, team-building, culture development, and more with ongoing one-on-one coaching.
New Owner Coaching
Support for those early months of ownership, when you’re wearing every hat and learning to lead. We offer structured mentorship to help you develop as a business owner while continuing to thrive as a veterinarian.
We’re in your corner
Starting a veterinary practice is no small feat and it certainly is not one size fits all. You deserve a team that listens to your vision, believes in your dream, and has the knowledge and expertise to make it happen. Our team is dedicated to delivering expert guidance, tailored support, and steady motivation – to opening day and beyond.
Our Start-Up & Acquisition team is made up of experienced and passionate coaches who have not only walked this path themselves, but now help dozens of other aspiring owners do the same. They are dedicated to top-notch veterinary care and developing people into leaders who can make their practices thrive.
But what makes us different isn’t just what we know—it’s how we show up. Our coaches are former practice owners, veterinarians, and industry leaders who have lived the challenges you’re facing.
We remember what it felt like to take that first leap—navigating loans, hiring your very first team, and making every decision feel like it carries the weight of your future. We also know what it’s like to make payroll while planning an expansion, to lead a team through growing pains, and to juggle patient care with the demands of ownership. That firsthand experience shapes every piece of guidance we give.
When you work with us, you don’t just get a roadmap—you get a partner who’s in the trenches with you. We roll up our sleeves, ask the right questions, and work alongside you to turn plans into progress. Along the way, we’ll challenge you to grow, cheer you on through setbacks, and celebrate your wins as if they were our own.
Because ownership doesn’t have to be a solo journey. With Blue Heron Consulting in your corner, you have a team who understands your world and is ready to help you make it better—one step, one decision, and one breakthrough at a time.
Kate Crumley, DVM, MS
Lead Start-Up & Acquisition Coach
“My goal is to inspire veterinarians to feel fantastic about their legacy. I love working to help them achieve their best while building a practice that provides financial security, a fun work environment, plus excellent service and care.”
– Dr. Kate Crumley; Lead Start-Up & Acquisition Coach
Your Ownership Journey, Backed by Experience
Whether you’re dreaming of your first practice, expanding an existing hospital, or simply looking for clarity before you take the next step, our Start-Up & Acquisition team is here to guide you. We bring the strategy, coaching, and real-world experience to help you move forward with confidence—no matter where you are on the path to ownership.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s map out your vision, tackle the challenges together, and turn your ownership goals into reality.
You have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth startup for us, and we will forever be grateful for your time and endless advice in pointing us in the right direction. We truly feel as though we were saved from a lot of pitfalls that most new owners succumb to, and with you on our speed dial we hopefully save ourselves a lot of time and money! All is well here; the business is BOOMING!
They were wonderful to have alongside because I have never done this before. I’ve never purchased a practice. Having someone who had experience with everything, from establishing our new LLC to the purchase agreements, all of that was very helpful for me; especially since I was a full-time practicing veterinarian. It would have taken me an extremely long time to figure out on my own.
Before using Blue Heron, I had no idea where to start, totally floating. I decided to use Blue Heron because of their accessibility and friendliness. They really made me feel like I had an ally in the purchasing process. Since working with my coach, I was able to purchase my clinic in record time, with relatively few hiccups. If anyone is on the fence in considering hiring a coach, I feel it is a worthy investment.
I am so grateful to have found Blue Heron. Kate Crumley, Medical and Startup Coach, was an invaluable resource and advisor to me as I explored the idea of opening my own practice. She was quick to offer not only her own personal insight from years of practice ownership, but also surfaced the latest trends and data from industry-leading organizations that helped inform my decision-making process. Kate also added value by connecting me with her vast network, both inside and outside of the Blue Heron team. Whether it was providing templates or feedback, discussing adjustments to budget or processes, or her general optimism, encouragement, and support, the return on investment Kate and the Blue Heron team delivered was exceptional. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to take their practice to the next level.
The greatest impact BHC has brought is perspective. I feel I have been helped to take a look at the big picture rather than focus on the immediate impacts of the many decisions I have to make.
