Breaking Down Non-Competes in Veterinary Medicine

🎧 Prefer to listen? This episode is also available on our podcast, where we explore the real-world impact of non-compete agreements on veterinarians. Listen here.

Why Non-Competes Matter

For many veterinarians, signing that first employment contract feels like the finish line after years of training. But hidden in the fine print is often a non-compete clause; a restrictive covenant that can limit where and how you practice for years after leaving a job. These clauses may dictate:

• How far you must move from your current employer to work again

• How long you’re restricted from practicing

• What type of work you can and cannot perform

Non-competes can shape your career in ways many vets don’t anticipate until it’s too late.

From Non-Compete to Non-Solicitation (and Beyond)

Even as legal debates grow around banning non-competes, veterinary employers aren’t loosening restrictions. Instead, contracts now frequently include non-solicitation clauses (barring you from recruiting clients or staff) and non-service provisions (stopping you from treating former clients even if they seek you out).

These newer restrictions can be just as limiting—if not more so—than traditional non-competes, leaving veterinarians unable to care for longtime patients, or even friends and family pets.

Why Scope Is Everything

Many non-competes are written broadly: prohibiting you from practicing “veterinary medicine” altogether. That’s a problem. A fair contract should limit the restriction to the specific type of practice (e.g., small animal general practice). Otherwise, you could be blocked from doing equine work, relief shifts, or even pursuing emergency medicine during the non-compete period.

What Veterinarians Should Do

• Never assume it’s unenforceable. Veterinary non-competes are actively enforced.

• Negotiate scope, time, and geography. Even small changes can give you far more freedom.

• Watch for non-solicitation and non-service clauses. These are increasingly standard.

• Get a veterinary-specific review. An attorney who understands the industry can spot red flags and help you negotiate.

Non-competes aren’t just legal jargon. They’re career-defining restrictions that can impact where you live, how you practice, and your future opportunities. Before signing any contract, make sure you fully understand the implications—and get advice to protect your career and peace of mind.