You built the practice. Choose who carries it forward.
Stepping back means deciding who will care for the patients, support the team and lead the practice you built. Harmony proposes co-ownership with the veterinarians and local leaders who will carry it forward. The conversation starts with what matters to you and how you would like to stay involved.
Canadian owned
Harmony is built, owned, and led in Canada.
Independently owned
Harmony sets its own direction, guided by its leadership and board.
Veterinarian led
Medical decisions stay with the veterinarians in each hospital.
A handover built around your practice.
You may have an associate ready to lead, or you may still be looking for a successor. Either way, a handover takes preparation. Our model brings co-ownership, leadership development and shared management into that plan.
Start with your priorities
Tell us when you would like to step back, what role you might keep and what you want to preserve for your practice and team.
Consider the next leaders
We discuss potential successors, including associates and leaders in your hospital, and the support they would need to take on ownership.
Plan the transition
The plan would set out roles, timing, financing and management support, including how you would stay involved. These details depend on the agreement for your practice.
The support we are building.
Shared support is central to the model. These are the capabilities we are developing as the network grows.
Shared management
Help with purchasing, payroll, HR and the administration that competes with time in the exam room.
Help with complaints and claims
Access to people who understand the legal and regulatory process when a complaint or claim arrives.
Facilities and technology
Investment in equipment, space, and modern systems.
Preparing the next leaders
Mentoring and training for the associates, hospital directors and RVT leaders who will run the practice next.
Clear roles for the whole team
Work organized around each person's training and responsibilities, with veterinarians able to concentrate on the care that needs their expertise.
A peer community
Case discussions, shared learning and colleagues beyond your own hospital to call for another perspective.
How would you like to step back?
These are three possible arrangements to discuss. Your role and the timing would be agreed for your practice.
Plan a full handover
Work toward an agreed handover date, with an associate considered for co-ownership alongside Harmony.
For owners with a potential successor and a transition date in mind.
Stay on as medical director
Continue practising medicine and guiding the clinical team, with management responsibilities shared under the agreed arrangement.
For owners who want to focus more of their time on medicine.
Step back gradually
Plan a gradual reduction in hours while helping your successors prepare to lead.
For owners who want to mentor their successors through the handover.
What the transition should protect.
The medical decisions
Made by the veterinarians in the building who know the patient.
Your name on the door
Your hospital keeps its name and its place in the neighbourhood.
Your team
Your team's roles and future would be part of the transition plan.
Your legacy
The character of your practice and the relationships you have built in your community.
Are you a veterinarian or team member who wants to start or co-own a practice? See For Practice Leadership.
Questions owners ask us.
What if I don't have a successor?
We can start by discussing who could lead the practice next and what preparation they would need. That may include someone on your team or a veterinarian interested in leading a practice with management support.
Will my associates be able to take over?
An associate could be considered for co-ownership alongside Harmony. Their role, investment and preparation would form part of the plan for your practice.
Will my hospital keep its name?
Keeping the hospital's name and local identity is part of our model. The transition plan would address the team and community relationships as well.
Who makes the medical decisions?
The veterinarians caring for the patients. Our model combines local clinical judgment with shared standards and core services. Those standards should explain the reasoning and leave room for the needs of each patient.
What does co-ownership mean for my practice?
Harmony proposes co-ownership with veterinarians and local leaders, backed by shared management support. The hospital keeps its name and local identity, and veterinarians make clinical decisions. Ownership and management responsibilities are agreed practice by practice.
What happens to my team?
Your team would be part of planning the transition. We want clear roles, development opportunities and ways for team leaders to share in the hospital's results. Staffing and any profit-sharing or ownership arrangements would need to be addressed for your practice.
Who owns Harmony?
Harmony is independently owned, Canadian owned and veterinarian led. It answers to its own leadership and board.
Can I stay involved after the transition?
Staying involved is one option to discuss. That could mean a medical director role or part-time clinical work. Your responsibilities, hours and length of involvement would be agreed as part of the transition.
Will I have a say after the transition?
We want your knowledge of the practice to inform what comes next. Your ongoing role and decision-making responsibilities would be set out in the agreement.
Should I bring my own advisors?
Yes. Bring your own lawyer and accountant to review the proposed structure, terms and implications for you.
How will we work through the terms?
We propose starting with a plain-language summary of the points discussed, then working through the details with you and your advisors. The final agreements would set out the terms and responsibilities.
How do we start?
Book a 30-minute call to tell us about your practice and ask questions. There is no obligation to proceed.
Ready to talk about what comes next?
Tell us about your practice, your team and the transition you have in mind. A 30-minute call is a place to start.