In a professional space rife with influences by corporations and private equity, the veterinary industry is ready for something different—the worker cooperative model. By dedicating their time, passion, energy, and years of education and training, veterinary professionals work to improve the lives of animals and care for the people who love them, and not likely driven by profit alone.
Veterinary professionals can and should have livable, prosperous wages. The worker cooperative model puts veterinary professionals in the driver’s seat, allowing them to governance over what their jobs look like and how care is delivered.
“[Worker] cooperatives give employees a voice and the opportunity to help shape and drive their practice. Cooperatives tend to be values-driven businesses that put employee satisfaction and the community at the forefront of decision making,” says Lexie Law, LVT, of Urban Animal, a veterinary practice with three locations in Seattle, Wash., that began building veterinary worker cooperatives in 2023. “While we will need to remain profitable to continue to grow and thrive as a practice, there is more than profit guiding us. Veterinary professionals are some of the most hardworking, empathetic people you will ever meet. Where we work should reflect that. We want to take care of animals and do the best we can to help our community,” adds Law.
Read the rest at Veterinary Practice News
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