featuring Carissa Welsh and Bobbie Stout | Blue Heron Consulting

Blue Heron Consulting’s Hiring Services team breaks down today’s highly competitive veterinary hiring market. Learn when to manage hiring internally and when partnering with a recruiter can make the difference. This presentation covers current industry challenges, DIY hiring tips, best practices for job advertising and candidate outreach, and how the Blue Heron Consulting team can support practices in building strong, lasting teams.

  • Understand the veterinary hiring environment
  • Discover strategies for attracting top candidates
  • Learn when and why to use recruiter support
  • Explore how to align hiring with long-term practice success

Hiring in the veterinary field is more competitive than ever. With low unemployment rates, rising starting salaries, and limited candidate availability, practices must be strategic about how they attract and secure top talent. Knowing when to manage the process internally and when to seek outside help is critical for long-term success.

Understanding the Landscape

Today’s market is highly candidate-driven. Unemployment among veterinary professionals hovers around 0.4%, and recent graduates are quickly accepting offers. It’s not enough to simply offer a job — practices must present competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a strong culture to stand out.

Common hiring challenges include receiving few qualified applicants, extended vacancies (often lasting six to twelve months), and losing top candidates during the process.

Tips for DIY Recruiting

In some cases, practices can successfully manage hiring internally. Key best practices include:

  • Advertise strategically: Use platforms like the AVMA Career Center, Indeed Resume Search (paid features), and state-specific veterinary boards.

  • Craft compelling job ads: Lead with strong titles, highlight what makes your practice unique, and optimize the first few lines.

  • Connect personally: Tailor outreach messages to individual candidates and respond to inquiries within 24 hours.

  • Stay organized and proactive: Consistent communication, personalized candidate experiences, and structured interview processes are essential for DIY success.

When to Consider Partnering with a Recruiter

Hiring a recruiter can save time, uncover hidden candidates, and provide valuable support when:

  • Internal efforts are not producing strong candidates.

  • Hiring timelines are urgent.

  • Confidentiality is required (e.g., replacing a practice manager).

  • The role is highly specialized or leadership-focused.

  • You need expert guidance on market conditions, compensation expectations, and candidate management.

Blue Heron Consulting’s Hiring Services team acts as an extension of your practice — coaching you through the process, aligning recruiting efforts with your goals, and staying involved through onboarding to set up long-term success.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the hiring landscape: today’s environment demands speed, strategy, and strong cultural messaging.

  • Highlight your practice’s strengths and execute the hiring process with excellence.

  • Evaluate the cost of extended vacancies and determine when partnering with a recruiter can accelerate success and improve retention.