Why Should You Recruit All Year Long?

In the competitive veterinary medicine industry, staying ahead in hiring isn’t just a matter of finding the right talent—it's about consistently nurturing relationships with potential candidates. Adopting a year-round recruitment strategy can be a game-changer for veterinary practices seeking stability and growth.

1. The High Demand for Veterinary Professionals

The demand for skilled veterinary professionals often outpaces supply. According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the veterinary sector faces a shortage of professionals at least until 2035, with practices nationwide struggling to fill open roles. A year-round recruitment strategy ensures you remain visible to talent, making it easier to attract professionals when the need arises.

2. Seasonal Hiring May Leave You Short-Staffed

Many practices focus on hiring during peak seasons, like spring and summer, when pet care demand surges. However, this can lead to being understaffed during unexpected turnovers or sudden increases in patient volume. Continuous recruiting keeps a steady pipeline of candidates ready to step in as needed. 

3. Proactively Addressing Turnover

Turnover in the veterinary field can be high due to burnout and the demanding nature of the work. According to industry surveys, the average turnover rate for veterinary technicians is around 23%, one of the highest in vetmed. Recruiting year-round lets you anticipate and prepare for potential staff departures, minimizing disruptions to your practice.

4. Strengthening Your Employer Brand

Recruiting consistently helps establish your veterinary practice as a sought-after employer. By actively engaging with job seekers on Scout and through social media, industry events, you create a reputation for being an inclusive and growth-oriented workplace. This visibility is crucial in attracting top talent and distinguishing your practice in a crowded market.

5. Building Relationships with Passive Candidates

Not all potential hires are actively job-hunting. A continuous recruitment effort allows you to connect with passive candidates—those who might not be ready to switch jobs immediately but could be persuaded by the right opportunity later. By keeping in touch on Scout, through newsletters, social media, or email updates, you stay top of mind when they decide to make a move.

6. Reducing Time-to-Hire

According to AAHA survey in 2023, the average time to hire a DVM is 15 months while the hiring process for vet tech can last as long as 13 months. When a critical position suddenly opens, practices that recruit only when necessary often scramble to find candidates. This reactive approach can increase the time-to-hire and leave positions vacant for weeks or months. With a year-long recruitment strategy, you’ll already have a pool of potential candidates, significantly reducing the time needed to fill a role.

7. Preparing for Practice Growth

As your veterinary practice grows, so does the need for additional staff. Whether you’re opening a new location, adding services, or expanding hours, a proactive recruitment strategy ensures you have a roster of qualified professionals ready to join your team.

How to Recruit Year-Round

• Leverage Technology: Use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to maintain a database of veterinary professionals for future openings and utilize an engagement platform such as Rally to keep a pulse on your workforce. 
• Engage on Social Media: Showcase your practice culture and team dynamics regularly to attract potential candidates.
• Host Events: Organize open houses, webinars, or community events to connect with prospective employees.
• Partner with Platforms: Use specialized platforms like Hound to connect with veterinary professionals and keep your talent pipeline full.

Are you ready to shift to full recruiting mode?

Recruiting year-round is a strategic investment in the success of your veterinary practice. By staying visible, building relationships, and proactively addressing hiring needs, you’ll ensure your practice remains staffed with passionate professionals ready to provide exceptional care.

Ready to streamline your recruiting process? Sign up for Scout today to find the right fit for your team or keep your team engaged with Rally.