The scenario of nonveterinarians becoming practice owners is a hot topic. Here Charlotte Lacroix, DVM, JD, outlines some important issues to address when entering into such an arrangment, as well as the payoffs.

When is it legal to search veterinary team members' lockers?

My manager and associate order equine products through my veterinary practice. Is this legal, since I don't treat horses?

The veterinarian I work for has questionable ethics; he treats animals in ways that clients wouldn't approve.

We took in a boarder from a longtime, good client, who said the pet was a stray that he acquired from the local groomer. During our exam, we found a microchip and were able to locate and contact the original owner, who said the dog had been stolen about six weeks earlier. What are our rights and responsibilities in situations like this?

I don't want to leave staff members jobless when I sell my practice. Can I include a clause in the contract requiring the buyer to retain my employees?