The Business of Practice: Maternity Leave Policies 

In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, Laura Javsicas, VMD, DACVIM, and Anna Hood, DVM, CVMMP, joined us to discuss maternity leave policies in equine practice.  

Both guests are practice owners who have taken maternity leave and managed employees who have taken maternity leave.  

Javsicas has two sons who were born several years apart. She had her first son during foaling season when she was an associate. Her second son was born during a slower season when she was a partner in the practice. She described the different experiences she had during her two maternity leaves. Javsicas’ practice has since started offering paid bonding leave, which supplements compensation from New York State to equal the associate’s base pay for six weeks, though they can take up to 12 weeks of leave. While the associate is on maternity leave, the practice finds relief coverage to minimize the impact on their colleagues’ emergency duty responsibilities. 

Hood recalled a difficult situation when an associate unexpectedly gave her notice right before Hood’s due date. She had hoped this associate would help cover for her during her maternity leave. Her departure was a difficult loss for the normally three-doctor practice. Fortunately, the associate was willing to provide relief coverage one day a week during Hood’s maternity leave. In addition, Hood hastily formed an emergency cooperative with colleagues to minimize the pressure on her remaining associate. “Everything went wonderfully,” she said, though she recommends joining an emergency group before it is urgent. Her practice offers associates eight weeks of paid maternity leave and an additional four weeks unpaid or with part-time hours. 

Both doctors shared their thoughts about the importance of paid leave, offering flexibility for associates after giving birth, and optimizing communication with clients and the practice team.  

This discussion illustrates positive, effective ways to support new parents and celebrates the changes we are seeing in equine practice.  

About Dr. Laura Javsicas  

Laura Javsicas, VMD, DACVIM, grew up outside of Philadelphia, where she enjoyed riding hunters and jumpers. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University, where she was co-captain of the equestrian team. Javsicas then attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving her VMD in 2004, she did an internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, followed by a three-year residency in equine internal medicine at the University of Florida and board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Following her residency, she stayed at the University of Florida as a member of the faculty. After several years in private practice in Saratoga Springs, New York, she joined Rhinebeck Equine, where she is a partner. 

Outside of work, Javsicas enjoys riding, hiking, kayaking, cooking, and traveling. She lives in Red Hook, New York, with her husband, David, their two sons, and assorted adorable pets. 

About Dr. Anna Hood 

Anna Hood, DVM, CVMMP, grew up in Cincinnati, where she was involved with horses since childhood. After completing her bachelor’s degree in animal science at Purdue University, she graduated from Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Hood also attended the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute and is certified in equine veterinary medical manipulation. She served on the Practice Culture Subcommittee for the AAEP’s Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability and is passionate about improving equine practice. 

In her free time, Hood enjoys riding and showing her horse, Jiggs, a sassy Connemara/Thoroughbred-cross mare, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and son, as well as their dog and cat. 

Related Reading

• Navigating Pregnancy in Equine Practice
• Parenting as an Equine Practitioner
• The Business of Practice: Balancing Parenthood With Equine Practice

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