From Student to Clinic Co-Owner: Zoe Hyett's Inspiring Journey in Veterinary Nursing

When Zoe Hyett walked through the doors of At the Vets almost 12 years ago as a student vet nurse, she probably didn’t imagine that one day she’d be part-owner of the very clinic that helped shape her career. But in 2023, that vision became a reality—and Zoe’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, teamwork, and the right support can lead vet nurses into the world of clinic ownership.

A Career Built from the Ground Up
Zoe's journey is one many vet nurses can relate to. She started as a student on placement, learning and growing her skills, eventually becoming a permanent member of the team. From there, she moved into the Head Nurse role, then stepped into a new challenge as Clinic Coordinator after returning from maternity leave in 2020. Throughout it all, Zoe remained passionate about her team, her patients, and her profession—and it didn’t go unnoticed.

A Vision for Shared Leadership
Heather, the Director at At the Vets, had seen leadership potential in Zoe and a fellow vet for some time. She spoke openly with them about succession planning, and in April 2023, Zoe officially became a part-owner of the clinic. “Heather has put in so much time and effort to get us to where we are today,” Zoe shares. “She made the process of buying into the clinic possible, and we’re so grateful.” The ownership model isn’t just about financial investment—it’s about bringing different perspectives to the leadership table. “I think it's very valuable for the clinic to have a nurse as an owner, to see things through everyone’s perspective,” Zoe says. And she’s right—clinic culture and operations benefit immensely from leadership that understands all sides of the practice.

Walking the Talk with Living Wage Accreditation
One of the many accomplishments Zoe and her team are proud of is earning Living Wage Accreditation. “It was something we were already doing with most of the team,” she explains. “But to get everyone to that point and for the clinic to be formally recognised as a living wage provider was a really proud moment.” In an industry where burnout and undervaluation are common challenges, this step is a shining example of how clinics can support their people in meaningful ways.

Tools for Growth and Leadership
Zoe, along with her co-owners, is currently undertaking the Lincoln Institute’s Lead to Succeed training. She highly recommends the program to anyone looking to step into ownership or leadership roles within a clinic. It’s part of the clinic’s ongoing commitment to professional growth—not just for the leadership team, but for everyone.

A Message to Other Vet Nurses
For any veterinary nurse considering a path to ownership, Zoe wants you to know it’s possible. “There are definitely options out there to make practice ownership possible for vet nurses,” she says. “If sharing my journey helps others take that step, then I’m absolutely happy to share it.”

If you have a story you would like to share, please email membership@nzvna.org.nz