🔬 Veterinary-specific funding options – Includes term loans, working capital, SBA loans, equipment financing, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances.
🐶 Utilize funds for growth – Invest in equipment, expand facilities, cover payroll, replenish stock, and manage seasonal slowdowns.
⚙️ Flexible repayment terms – Loan structures available for short-term needs, real estate, and longer-term growth plans.
📊 Low eligibility requirements – Qualify with a 550+ credit score, $75K+ revenue, and 6+ months in business.
📄 Simple application process – Apply online or by phone with minimal paperwork; funding in as little as 1-3 business days.
📉 Bad credit options available – Alternative lenders offer funding based on revenue/cash flow, not just credit score.
🐾 Pet-specific use cases – Fund upgrades like EMRs, X-ray machines, hydrotherapy tubs, marketing, or staff expansion.
💸 Build business credit – Making on-time payments can improve credit and qualify your practice for better future loan terms.
Veterinary practices are at the heart of keeping our furry, feathered, and scaly friends healthy, and demand for high-quality animal care continues to grow. From offering routine checkups to performing complex surgeries, today’s animal hospitals and veterinary professionals must stay competitive by investing in their facilities, equipment, and team. However, managing these investments while maintaining healthy cash flow can be challenging.
United Capital Source offers small business loans to veterinary practices and animal hospitals, helping practice owners overcome financial challenges and invest in future growth. With a wide range of financing options and extensive experience working with healthcare professionals, we can help you find veterinary practice financing that suits your unique needs.
United Capital Source is proud to help veterinary practices and animal hospitals obtain the tools they need to stay competitive, stabilize cash flow, and increase profitability. Other business lenders might not be as generous now that an increasing amount of practices and hospitals are no longer exclusively cash businesses. But at UCS, our lender network offers flexible terms that can accommodate all sorts of revenue models. Our expansive business loan selection can finance everything from advanced equipment to new staff members for busy periods.
If you’re looking for a large amount but don’t have the time to go through a traditional SBA loan’s notorious application process, we might recommend our signature SBA “Marketplace” Loan. Collateral is not required, and unlike the bank, our terms can be customized to account for slow cash flow or uncontrollable circumstances like seasonality. In the event of a sudden surge in demand (like an outbreak of an illness), a business line of credit could prove to be very useful for immediately securing extra inventory, more personnel, and other resources associated with treating the condition at hand.
We also offer equipment financing for practices and hospitals that cannot wait until it is convenient for their finances to make such purchases. Paperwork is minimal, and you don’t have to be in your peak season to be approved.
Since pet insurance is still being ironed out, providers might take longer than expected to send reimbursements. For this all-too-common dilemma, UCS has access to great accounts receivable factoring programs. Your business cycle would essentially be shortened from weeks or months to just a few business days, giving you the cash to cover bills and payroll whilst restoring profitability. Accounts receivable factoring could allow you to accept more types of insurance as well, partially because you know you’ll be paid on time despite a difference in the provider’s reimbursement policy.
No matter which business funding program you are interested in, keep in mind that at UCS, we are aware that not every business owner is necessarily “business savvy.” Most healthcare professionals start their careers to help people, not to grow their businesses. So, if you are unfamiliar with small business loans, we are more than happy to walk you through the entire process, up until you have made your final payment to the lender. Apply now to see how much you qualify for!
Veterinarian and animal hospital business loans are a type of small business financing specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the veterinary industry. These loans provide working capital for a wide range of purposes, such as purchasing equipment, expanding or remodeling facilities, managing payroll, covering unexpected expenses, or acquiring an existing practice.
Veterinary practice loans help small business owners maintain operations, invest in growth opportunities, and remain competitive in an evolving industry. Whether you’re a first-time practice owner launching a new facility or a seasoned veterinarian expanding your services, the right financing solution can support your goals and ensure long-term success.
Veterinarian Practice & Animal Hospital Business Loans come in the form of:
Veterinary practice loans can take many forms depending on your financing needs, credit history, and the loan terms you’re seeking. Everyday loan products include term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and invoice factoring. Each has different origination fees, repayment terms, interest rates, and funding timelines.
Veterinary practice owners use business term loans for practice expansion, commercial real estate purchases, or significant one-time investments. For example, a vet practice may use a term loan to acquire an existing practice, build a new location, or remodel its current space to offer more services. These loans typically come with fixed interest rates and a predetermined repayment schedule, making them ideal for budgeting with predictability and financial stability.
Equipment financing allows veterinary practices to acquire essential tools, such as digital x-ray machines, ultrasound systems, or surgical lasers, without needing to pay the full cost upfront. This type of loan uses the equipment as collateral, making it easier to qualify and helping preserve working capital for other needs. Some practices can even utilize equipment financing to acquire or upgrade business vehicles, which is ideal for veterinarians in rural communities or those servicing farms.
SBA loans, such as the SBA 7(a), offer low interest rates, long loan terms, and high loan amounts—up to $5 million. These loans are beneficial for significant investments, such as purchasing a facility or launching a new location. However, they typically require strong credit, a comprehensive business plan, and can involve a longer application process.
Business lines of credit offer veterinarians flexible financing that they can draw upon as needed to cover everyday expenses. Whether you need to purchase animal hospital supplies, pet medications, or stock up on pet treats for your patients, a business line of credit ensures access to funds without requiring reapplication. You only pay interest on the amount you use, making it a versatile solution for ongoing or seasonal needs.
Accounts receivable factoring, also called invoice factoring, enables animal hospitals to stabilize their cash flow by converting outstanding invoices into immediate cash. If clients delay payments due to pet insurance claims or other reasons, invoice factoring gives you access to a portion of the invoice value right away. This funding method can help cover urgent expenses, such as payroll, rent, or ordering supplies, without having to wait weeks for payment.
Working capital loans are a versatile option that provides funds for day-to-day operational expenses. Veterinary practices can use working capital loans to manage payroll, cover rent and utilities, invest in marketing campaigns, or respond to seasonal dips in revenue. These short-term loans can help ensure your practice runs smoothly without interrupting patient care or delaying business decisions.
Merchant cash advances (MCAs) offer fast funding in exchange for a percentage of your future credit card sales. This option is ideal for veterinary practices with consistent card transactions but limited collateral or lower credit scores. With an MCA, repayment automatically adjusts with your revenue, making it easier to manage cash flow during slower periods without missing a payment.
Some veterinary practice financing programs are structured with flexible repayment terms to match the clinic’s cash flow. Alternative lenders, like United Capital Source, offer fast and easy access to funding with fewer collateral requirements, competitive interest rates, and streamlined credit approval processes.
| LOAN TYPES | MAX AMOUNTS | RATES | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant Cash Advances | $7.5k – $1m | Starting at 1-6% p/mo | 1-2 business days |
| SBA Loan | $50k-$10m | Starting at Prime + 2.75% | 8-12 weeks |
| Business Term Loan | $10k to $5m | Starting at 1-4% p/mo | 1-3 business days |
| Business Line of Credit | $1k to $250k | Starting at 1% p/mo | 1-3 business days |
| Receivables/Invoice Financing | $10k-$10m | Starting at 1% p/mo | 1-2 weeks |
| Equipment Financing | Up to $5m per piece | Starting at 3.5% (SBA) | 3-10+ business days |
| Revenue Based Business Loans | $10K – $5m | Starting at 1-6% p/mo | 1-2 business days |
Veterinary business loans enable practice owners to meet the financing needs of their clinic without relying on personal savings. They allow you to invest in new equipment, hire additional staff, expand your practice, or smooth out cash flow during seasonal slowdowns. Access to working capital enables small business owners to operate more efficiently and pursue growth opportunities when they arise.
Flexible repayment terms, prepayment options, and multiple loan products mean that practice loans can be tailored to your unique needs and repayment structure. Many lenders also offer customized payment structures and fast funding, so you can receive funds when you need them most. These loans can help ensure your practice remains a thriving business in an increasingly competitive industry.
Like all forms of business financing, veterinarian loans come with certain drawbacks. Some lenders require a substantial down payment or have strict eligibility requirements related to your credit history, business credit, and the length of time you have been in business. Loan approval and funding times can also vary depending on the lender and the type of loan. Additionally, certain loans may carry extra fees or higher interest rates for borrowers considered riskier.
Practice owners must also consider the repayment schedule and how new debt will impact their cash flow. Some loan products require collateral, which can put personal or business assets at risk if you default. It’s also essential to understand the loan process and work with a loan officer or practice specialist who can explain the terms, fees, and long-term impact on your veterinary practice.
Pros:
Access to working capital for growth and operations
Flexible repayment terms and structures
Can improve cash flow and support future expansion
Available for various financing needs, including equipment and real estate
Fast application and funding process through alternative lenders
Cons:
May require strong credit or a personal history of business success
Some lenders have high interest rates or origination fees
Monthly payments can strain cash flow if not carefully planned
Collateral requirements may apply for certain loans
The amount of paperwork required depends on the product you choose. Funds can be approved and distributed for most products within 1-3 business days. Here’s how to apply:
The first step is choosing the most sensible solution to the problem at hand. This should require some research, as each product is designed for different types of expenses and cash flow cycles. Are you looking to cover a short-term or long-term expense? Is demand expected to increase or decrease in the coming months?
Considering the funds’ purpose will also help us determine the correct borrowing and terms for your needs.
Here are the documents and information required for Veterinarian & Animal Hospital Business Loans:
SBA loans require additional documents and information, such as financial statements. To learn what’s needed for the SBA-backed loans, visit our SBA loan page.
You can begin the application process by calling us or filling out our one-page online application. Either way, you’ll be asked to enter the information from the previous section along with your desired funding amount.
Once you apply, a representative will contact you to explain the repayment structure, rates, and terms of your available options. This way, you won’t have to worry about any surprises or hidden fees during repayment.
If you’re approved, we’ll contact you within 24 hours. After closing, funds for most business financing products should appear in your bank account within 24 hours to one week.
Your business loan isn’t just a way to get financing for your business. It’s also an excellent opportunity to start building (or improving) your credit.
Regardless of the type of business loan you get, make all your required payments on time and in full. If you get a business credit line or another form of revolving credit, keep your balance below the credit limit.
Consistently making your business financing payments on time and in full will positively impact your credit. And that means preferred rates and terms when you next need business financing.
If your application is declined, it’s possible that you applied for the wrong product to meet your cash flow needs. We would likely recommend a different product with a less hazardous repayment structure in this case.
Your application might also be declined if it is determined that you cannot afford to take on more debt at this time.
If your credit score is holding you back from accessing financing, consider working with a reputable credit repair service to raise your scores.
Veterinary healthcare professionals can use small business loans to cover a wide range of practice financing needs. These include opening a first practice, expanding an existing practice, upgrading technology, hiring staff, or purchasing equipment.
Veterinary practices can improve their cash flow by consolidating existing debt into a single, low monthly payment. Interest-only and graduated payment structures are available for startup loans. The principal of a loan is the total amount of money being borrowed.
Here are several ways veterinarians can use loan funds to address veterinary-specific challenges:
Upgrade diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, X-ray, or dental equipment.
Renovate or expand exam rooms, treatment areas, or boarding facilities.
Stock up on inventory like vaccines, medications, and surgical supplies.
Purchase specialty items, such as hydrotherapy tubs or pet rehabilitation equipment.
Cover payroll and benefits for veterinary technicians and support staff.
Invest in marketing to attract new pet owners or promote specialized services.
Build or buy a new location to meet growing demand.
Improve IT systems and electronic medical record (EMR) platforms.
Create a pet-friendly experience with amenities such as waiting room treats, toys, and grooming areas.
Many lenders provide business loans to animal hospitals and veterinary practices. Traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, often offer favorable rates and terms; however, they typically require excellent credit and a lengthy loan process. Conventional loans can be structured over a 10-year term, with newer options available for 15 years or more. Some lenders offer lines of credit based on the practice’s assets, typically with a limit of less than $200,000.
Online lenders and alternative financing facilitators, such as United Capital Source, offer more flexible financing options with faster funding and easier qualification requirements. These platforms help connect small business owners with potential lenders, providing customized financing solutions tailored to their goals and credit profiles.
Yes, veterinary practices can qualify for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. The SBA 7(a) loan program offers up to $5 million for qualifying small businesses. SBA 7(a) loans can have terms of up to 25 years for commercial real estate financing. The interest rate for SBA loans typically ranges from the base rate plus 2.25% to the base rate plus 4.75%.
Fixed interest rates remain unchanged for the life of a loan, offering predictable monthly payments. Variable interest rates on loans can fluctuate during the loan’s term, based on the prevailing prime rate. An SBA-approved lender can guide you through the loan process and help you find the best lending options for your veterinary practice.
Veterinarians with poor credit can still access funding through alternative lenders that specialize in business loans for those with bad credit. While traditional banks may decline applications due to poor credit history, many online lenders focus more on the business’s revenue and cash flow. These lenders often have more lenient eligibility requirements and provide access to smaller loan amounts that can help stabilize operations and improve business credit.
Bad credit business loans typically come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms; however, they can still be valuable tools for small businesses seeking to grow or cover emergency expenses. Working with a financing facilitator like United Capital Source can help you compare loan products, understand your options, and choose a loan that fits your needs.
