Alico Pet Vet

Dr. Leena Plavumkal, a veterinarian with over two decades of experience, has carved a unique path in her profession. A native of India, she graduated as a veterinarian in 1995 and began practicing in the United States in 2001 after completing the licensing process. Since then, she has worked in a variety of settings, from bustling urban clinics to quieter rural practices, finally establishing roots in Lee County, Florida, in 2004. Her journey as a mobile veterinarian began in 2010, when she decided to step away from relief work, a role where veterinarians temporarily fill in for others. With three young children at home, the flexibility of a mobile practice appealed to her, and the idea of owning her own business took root.

Recognizing the challenges ahead, Dr. Plavumkal sought guidance from the Florida Gulf Coast University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC became instrumental in helping her build a solid foundation for her venture. “I knew we couldn’t do this alone without knowing anything,” she recalls. Over six months, Dr. Plavumkal worked with SBDC advisors to craft a business plan. This included everything from choosing a name for her practice to understanding how to structure her finances. A pivotal part of the planning was learning how to price her services effectively. “They asked me, ‘How much do you want to make in a year?’ and we worked backward from there,” she explains.

Initially operating out of a customized RV outfitted as a mobile veterinary clinic, Dr. Plavumkal provided house-call services to pet owners across Southwest Florida. The vehicle, complete with surgical and X-ray capabilities, allowed her to deliver comprehensive and unparalleled care directly to clients’ homes. This approach not only established her as a trusted professional but also forged deep connections with her clientele. During these house calls, she valued the personal relationships that developed with her clients, often learning about their lives and working with them to provide tailored care. “It was a one-to-one relationship,” she shares. “I knew my clients well, and they trusted me completely.” The nature of house-call work also gave her insights into the challenges pet owners face, particularly with transporting stressed or aggressive animals. Her ability to address these needs in the comfort of the pets’ own homes became a cornerstone of her success. Over the years, she built a loyal base of 2,500 house-call clients. “People appreciated the convenience and the reduced stress for their pets. It was an excellent way to deliver care,” she notes.

However, after six years of operating the RV clinic, demand for her services outpaced the limits of her mobile setup. “I couldn’t get to clients fast enough,” she notes. Transitioning to a more traditional clinic model became the next logical step. In May 2024, Alico Pet Vet opened its doors, marking a significant evolution in her career. Establishing a brick-and-mortar clinic was no small feat. Dr. Plavumkal’s frugality and resourcefulness proved invaluable. Guided once again by the SBDC, she navigated financial hurdles with remarkable efficiency. SBDC Business Consultants, Elizabeth Goldbach and Julio Estremera, encouraged her to negotiate favorable lease terms and explore cost-saving measures. “They told me, ‘Don’t sign anything over $40 per square foot,'” she recounts. Taking this advice, she secured a space for $30 per square foot, significantly reducing her overhead costs. “Elizabeth and Julio helped me think through everything, from scaling back my space to buying my equipment outright. Their insights kept my costs low and my business viable from day one.”

Their focus on numbers and financial planning gave me the tools to grow sustainably.” The new clinic is a testament to her vision of delivering high-quality care while maintaining a personal touch. Alico Pet Vet combines the thoroughness of a full-service clinic with the attentiveness of her house-call roots. Patients are seen by appointment only, and clients are encouraged to wait in their cars until their exam room is ready, minimizing stress for both pets and their owners. “It’s about creating a seamless, comfortable experience,” she explains. “Nobody waits in the lobby here.”

Dr. Plavumkal’s ingenuity extended to outfitting the clinic. Rather than purchasing new equipment, she sourced high-quality items from a closing veterinary practice and refurbished machines through online platforms like eBay. Her ability to cut costs—from the functional build-out of the clinic to obtaining deals on lab equipment—reduced her initial loan needs from nearly $1 million to just $168,000. “Every detail mattered,” she says. “I designed the layout myself to meet all state requirements, making sure it was functional and welcoming. The SBDC’s guidance ensured I approached my business like a professional, not just a passionate veterinarian.