Don't Sign That Veterinary Offer Letter (Yet): What Every Veterinarian Needs to Know

Starting your first job out of veterinary school is exciting, but don’t let that excitement lead you to sign an offer letter too quickly. In this episode of our podcast, veterinary attorney Dr. Lance Roasa and veteran paralegal Steve Kellner discuss what every veterinary graduate should know before signing that first employment offer.

Here’s a breakdown of what we covered, and why slowing down before signing can save you thousands of dollars (and future headaches).

What’s the Rush? Why You Shouldn't Immediately Sign an Offer Letter

Most veterinary employers use offer letters to kick off the hiring process. These one-page summaries typically include salary, signing bonuses, and a few benefits, but rarely the full story.

“The offer letter is not going to contain all of the details that we want to see. It’s going to give us the bare minimum. We'd much rather see the entire employment contract.” - Steve Kellner

Why? Because important elements like production bonuses, PTO policies, non-compete clauses, and 401(k) vesting schedules are buried in documents that come after the offer letter. Signing too soon could lock you into terms you don’t fully understand.

Is the Offer Letter Legally Binding?

Technically, no—but that’s not the whole story.

“It may not be legally binding, but it’s definitely psychologically binding. It’s a handshake agreement, and once you sign, it’s difficult to renegotiate.” - Dr. Lance Roasa

That’s why it’s critical to review everything before putting pen to paper—even if the recruiter says it’s “just a formality.”

What to Say Instead of Signing Right Away

You can (and should) be polite and professional when asking for more information. Try this: “Thank you so much for the offer! I’m really excited about this opportunity. Would you mind sharing the full employment agreement and any benefit documents so I can review everything together before I sign?” This approach shows enthusiasm and professionalism—without tying your hands too early.

What’s at Stake?

Failing to negotiate early can leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table. According to Dr. Roasa:

“We regularly see $30,000–$40,000 swings in compensation once we start negotiating—and sometimes $50,000 or more for specialists like surgeons or cardiologists.”

And it’s not just about money. Negotiating can mean better continuing education (CE) allowances, flexible PTO, relocation support, and protection from overly broad non-competes.

But Won’t They Rescind the Offer?

Short answer: it’s extremely rare. Out of thousands of negotiations, Lance and Steve could count on one hand how many offers were pulled, and even in those cases, the employer usually came back later admitting a mistake.

Their rule of thumb? “If the employer rescinds the offer because you asked fair questions—they just saved you from a toxic work environment.”

Everything Is Negotiable

Even big corporate veterinary groups with “standard” contracts are willing to budge, if you ask. Don’t assume your first offer is the best you can get.

Pro tip: If this is the employer’s first offer, there’s often room to move.

Final Takeaway

Before signing an offer letter:

✅ Ask for the full employment contract and benefit summaries

✅ Review details like non-competes, PTO, CE, and production bonus terms

✅ Know that negotiating won’t kill the deal—it might just make it a much better one

✅ Don’t let politeness stop you from protecting your future

Need Help Reviewing Your Veterinary Contract?

Our team at Roasa Law Group specializes in helping veterinarians negotiate contracts that work for them, not just their employers. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned DVM, we can help you navigate the legal side of practice life.