iVET360 Releases 2026 Practice Manager Report Free to Veterinary Practices
The Strongest Veterinary Practices Aren’t Solving a Staffing Problem. They’re Solving an Alignment Problem.
For years, veterinary practice managers have been asked to do more with less. They’ve become problem solvers, culture builders, recruiters, trainers, financial coordinators, and operational leaders, often all before lunch.
But the 2026 Practice Manager Report from iVET360 reveals that today’s biggest challenge isn’t simply workload. It’s alignment.
Based on responses from veterinary practice managers across North America and paired with perspectives from practice owners, this year’s report explores how leadership alignment directly impacts accountability, financial performance, communication, and long-term practice growth. Rather than focusing solely on what practice managers do, the report examines how owners and managers work together, and where that partnership succeeds or breaks down.
One message becomes clear throughout the report: the most successful practices aren’t asking practice managers to carry more responsibility. They’re giving them the visibility, trust, and authority needed to lead effectively.
Key findings include:
- Nearly 75% of practice managers report spending the majority of their time focused on day-to-day operations rather than long-term strategic initiatives.
- While 75% of owners say budgeting is among their highest priorities, not a single practice manager selected financial budgeting as a primary focus, highlighting a significant leadership disconnect.
- Practice managers consistently rank team accountability, communication, and operational execution among their greatest challenges, while owners place greater emphasis on financial performance and long-term growth.
- Both owners and practice managers overwhelmingly agree that trust and communication are the foundation of a successful leadership partnership, yet many practices still lack the systems and visibility needed to make that partnership effective.
- The report concludes with a practical action plan designed to help practices strengthen leadership alignment, improve financial understanding, build accountability, and create more resilient veterinary teams.
“This year’s data challenged one of our biggest assumptions,” said Drew Vandeberghe, Co-Founder and COO of iVET360. “Practice managers don’t need another productivity system or another leadership book. They need better alignment with the people setting the direction of the practice. When owners provide context instead of just tasks, and when practice managers understand not only what they’re responsible for but why it matters, everything improves: accountability, communication, financial performance, and ultimately patient care.”
Unlike previous reports that focused primarily on staffing, recruiting, or retention, the 2026 Practice Manager Report explores the operational relationship between practice owners and practice managers. It highlights how shared priorities, financial transparency, and consistent communication create healthier businesses while reducing frustration for everyone involved.
The report also offers practical recommendations that practices can begin implementing immediately, including improving financial education, creating regular strategic conversations, clarifying decision-making authority, and building accountability systems that empower teams rather than overwhelm them.
Whether you’re a practice owner looking to build stronger leadership within your hospital or a practice manager seeking greater influence and clarity, the 2026 Practice Manager Report provides actionable insights backed by real-world data from veterinary professionals.
Download the free 2026 Veterinary Practice Manager Report today.
