Part-time schedules are becoming more common, often for work–life balance, but they can make it harder for new graduates to build case continuity and confidence. On the other end, consistently working six or seven days a week is a recipe for burnout. In well-run practices with proper support, experienced clinicians may handle 20+ cases in a standard 8–10 hour day, while new graduates typically do best starting around 12–15 cases per day.
ACTs in Today’s Cost Landscape
Average Client Transactions (ACTs) remain central to understanding production, but rising veterinary costs have changed how clients make decisions. According to the 2025 Covetrus/Stripe Pet Owner Cost & Care Survey, scheduled visits now average $278, and emergency visits average $618. Both significantly higher than previous years.
Production Pay in 2025
More than half of practices still offer production-based compensation. Standard percentages remain around 18%–22% for small-animal associates and ~25% for large-animal work. Make sure your contract clearly states:
-
which services count toward production,
-
which categories are excluded,
-
and how the practice presents estimates and payment options to clients.
In a high-cost, high-sensitivity environment, these details directly influence how much revenue you can realistically generate.
Salary Considerations
The average new grad salary for 2024 for companion animals was $140,000, but your long-term financial health depends on whether the practice environment allows you to produce enough to sustain that compensation. Take your total household income into account as you plan for the future.