How do I check a kennel’s emergency vet arrangement before buying?
Ask to see how the arrangement works in practice. Find out which clinic handles emergencies, whether anything is agreed in writing, who pays, and whether the relationship stays in place after the sale. Then speak to the vet yourself before you commit to buying.
An emergency vet link is easy to take for granted until a dog collapses on a holiday weekend. Ask the seller to name the clinic, the vet who knows the kennel, and the after-hours route. Is it a standing agreement, or does the owner simply call a friend? Informal arrangements often end when the owner does.
Ask for the paperwork behind it. Look for a written agreement, a client consent form that covers emergency treatment, and the kennel’s incident log. Read the log for patterns: repeated injuries, illnesses after certain stays, or complaints that mention treatment. Check how the kennel pays for emergency care and how it charges owners afterwards.
Then call the clinic. Ask whether they expect to keep working with the kennel under new ownership and what they would want from you. Ask staff what they do when a dog shows warning signs, and whether they have written procedures. Confirm that your insurance covers animals in your care, and let your lawyer review any agreement that is meant to transfer to you. If the relationship hangs on one person, treat that as something to resolve before closing. Ask the seller to introduce you in person, since a warm introduction makes the first emergency call far easier.
Key takeaways
- Get the clinic’s name, the after-hours route and any written agreement.
- Read the incident log for repeated injuries or illnesses.
- Call the vet directly and ask whether the relationship continues under new ownership.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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