Payroll: First Things First in 2026

2026 may have just begun, but payroll strategy is already under pressure. Compensation expectations remain high, operational demands continue to grow, and retention challenges haven’t eased. Practices that wait to address payroll will spend the year reacting instead of leading. The good news? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. 

Later this month, iVET360 will release the 2026 Veterinary Payroll Report, providing updated benchmarks and insights into how practices are approaching compensation in the year ahead. Until then, this January Brief focuses on what should already be on your radar. 

Plan Payroll Before It Becomes a Problem
Payroll challenges rarely appear overnight. Delayed planning often leads to rushed raises, inconsistent decisions, and avoidable turnover. Starting the year with a clear payroll strategy creates stability for leadership, team members, and the practice as a whole.

Retention Starts With Clarity
Wages matter, but so does consistency. Unclear review cycles, shifting expectations, and reactive compensation decisions drive disengagement long before employees decide to leave. A clear, solid payroll structure is more than just an expense line – it’s a retention tool. 

The Real Cost of Relief
Relief vets can be a lifeline, but does the math really add up? 2026 might be the year to rethink your strategy around relief vets. We’ll tell you what we’ve learned, why it matters, and how utilizing relief vets to balance your schedule shouldn’t mean sacrificing balance in your budget. 

Data-Driven Decisions for 2026
The strongest payroll strategies are grounded in real benchmarks. The upcoming 2026 Veterinary Payroll Report will deliver updated national and role-based data to support smarter planning and confident conversations.

Watch for the 2026 Veterinary Payroll Report to be released later in January. Until then, use the next few weeks to align expectations, review your approach, and prepare to benchmark your practice with confidence and clarity.