03/09/2026
What if I’m burnt out in vet med, but I still want to try to build a Solo RVT house call business ?! Would it still work for me?
I got this question this weekend via email, so let’s talk about it.
I feel for you with the burn out. It is not an easy thing to deal with, and is very common in our field.
Even in your own business, it can be very easy to stretch yourself thin, break your own boundaries, so keep that in mind. You have to have tools to conquer the burnout first. 
I have been an RVT since 2009, and started my solo business in 2016. It became my full time job in 2018.
I do offer help to other technicians, in various ways, since so many have reached out over the years. 🥳🥳
I do not recommend starting your own business without at least 7 full years in a clinical setting.
I have created 2 digital courses for Solo RVT's to purchase in 2018 that comes with a 1 year membership. There is a Quick Start Program with 6 of the basic lessons, to get you started, before jumping into the big course.
I also do 1:1 coaching via Voxer too. (1:1 coaching is an additional cost and conditional on your needs)
The course is amazing because it's a business in a box. You can start literally from square one. With no business knowledge, and it’s laid out in an easy to follow flow chart.
or if a tech already has a business going, and is looking for guidance, it helps smooth out the edges, and answer questions in real time (coaching) and streamline your processes.
I have morphed doing all Tech Appointments, any prescribed care, pet sitting and Tech Questions (client education materials digitally and via Zoom/phone. Client education is a SIGNIFICANT need in our field) into a fully functional, business venture that brings me so much more joy than I ever thought possible, not to mention the friends I have made along the way.
I work M-F 9am-1pm, and Saturdays 9-3. If I am pet sitting I work the needed days. It's definitely more flexible when needed as well, if there are snow days, doctor appts, fun days, vacation days, I make the calls and the schedule.
That being said, business ownership is not for the weak. You go from working a clinic long hours, days off, to working for yourself, so you are in charge. That can come with its own perks and pressure you have to navigate.
I still work the back end of my business on days off (sending reminders, charting, logging expenses, ect. so I'm never "off" but my work duties are minimal on off days) ....
Ordering Equipment, marketing, onboarding clients, reports, taxes, and all the things. That actually is my jam because I color code everything and make diagrams 🤣🤣 my accountant loves it.
In the course I do share every template I use in my own business, where to find insurance, how much to charge, pretty much every single detail, so you're not starting from scratch, but still need to go the legwork.
BUT businesses do not grow overnight. It takes time, diligence, grit, determination, motivation, and all the things that are only powered by YOU taking an active role in your career and successes.
You will not make your dream income your first month. But as your confidence grows, your income does too. I am very lucky that I was able to significantly increase my in-clinic income, and it has changed my life.
But I also see people start, and stop within a a year or 3 because of fear/self limiting beliefs, and their motivation fizzles out. It’s also scheduling your life/appointments days to weeks in advance. Not everyone is good at time management skills. That is a significant part of this endeavor. Not everyone is meant to run a fully functioning business full-time.
it is a lot of work. It’s a lot of showing up when you don’t want to. It’s a lot of doing the work when you don’t want to.
But it’s knowing that it’s worth it. 💪🏽💪🏽
SO a lot of business is building confidence, self worth, and healthy boundaries.
Not only that, but it's just ME in my business. I am showing owners how to hold for me, we are having conversations prior to me walking in, to make sure it's a good fit. I also check ALL new pet vet records, then going over polices and procedures.
And executing client communication regularly.
I need to make sure they understand this is owner inclusive, and doing this in their homes.
I can't take on a 90 # dog that needs fear free meds for a nail trim, if the owner is 72 in a wheelchair. That would not work. Make sense?
I do not take on every client. my business is now 10 years old, and I have recognized patterns, and have honed my client finding skills, intuition, and can read a vibe immediately over the years. (Ps: I love teaching this stuff!!!!)
I also have a free facebook group: The Vet Tech Society Movement - this is where people that are interested hang out, as well as students. I do not do coaching in this group, but
I post business related content/videos to help others via my own experiences at the time.
Also any time I update my forms (polices/procedures, consent forms) I add them to the course for you. Or if I add a new video or write updated content, you get instant access (if you are still in the membership at the time.)
I also have a intro webinar video found here: (it is slightly outdated at 6 years old but you can get the gist): www.thevettechsocietymovement.com
let me know if this is all resonating with you!
talk soon!
Serena Pudelski, RVT
The OG Solo RVT Coach