Custom Group CE Retreats for Veterinary Teams: How They Work
By The Vet Passport team · Updated November 5, 2026 · 5 min read
Short answer: a custom group CE retreat is a private trip built around your group. Groups of 8 or more pick any destination in the world, from Antarctica to Tuscany, plus the CE topic, wellness, comfort level and timing. Within 3 business days we send a proposal with a draft itinerary, speaker options and a per-person price range. Requesting one is free, with no commitment.
Who it's for
- Practice teams who want a thank-you trip that also covers CE
- Study clubs ready to take their monthly meeting somewhere memorable
- Associations and VMAs planning a member trip
- Residency cohorts, alumni groups and colleagues who want to travel and learn together
What you choose
The builder at /group-retreats walks you through six short steps:
| Step | What you decide |
|---|---|
| Your group | Group type, roughly how many people, and who's in it (vets, techs and nurses, assistants, managers, client service, students) |
| The experience | Any destination (Antarctica, the Galápagos, Kenya, Japan, Tuscany, Hawaii, close to home, or "surprise us"), what the afternoons should feel like, and how active |
| The CE | About 6, 12, 15 or 20+ CE hours, and the topics or specialty you want covered |
| Comfort and wellness | Boutique, luxury or flexible lodging; yoga, massage and spa, free afternoons, team building, group dinners; whether partners are coming |
| Timing | Which months work, and a long weekend, 4 to 5 nights, or a full week |
| Your details | Where to send your proposal |
You won't see prices in the builder. Every group trip is different, so we price it once we know what you want, and the proposal includes a per-person price range.
What happens next
- Get a proposal. Within 3 business days: a draft itinerary, speaker options and a per-person price range.
- Shape it together. Change the pace, the hotel, the number of CE hours or the dates until it fits your group.
- Travel. We handle lodging, CE, excursions and wellness, so your group just shows up.
The CE
Tell us the topic or specialty your group needs, from emergency medicine to dentistry to communication, and we match a qualified speaker. CE is accredited through our partner, and CE hours are documented for each attendee. Each state board sets its own rules, so ask your group to check theirs; see veterinary CE requirements by state.
Partners and friends
Partners and friends can come on an Explorer ticket, which includes everything except the CE sessions. Let us know in the builder roughly how many people will bring someone, and we'll plan rooms and activities around it.
Paying for it
Many practices cover the CE portion or the whole trip as a team benefit. CE a practice pays for is generally a deductible business expense and can be tax-free to employees as a working condition fringe benefit. See do veterinary practices get a tax break for paying for employee CE?
This is general information, not financial or tax advice. Confirm with your accountant.
Planning tips
- Start 6 to 12 months ahead, especially if you need relief coverage at the clinic.
- Leave real free time. Half-day CE with open afternoons is what makes a retreat feel like one.
- Decide early who pays for what, and whether partners are invited.
More detail: how to plan a veterinary team retreat with CE. Ready to start? Design your group's retreat.
Frequently asked questions
How many people do we need for a custom group CE retreat?
Custom group retreats start at 8 people. There's no upper limit; larger groups can be split across sessions or dates.
Where can a custom group retreat go?
Anywhere in the world, from Antarctica to Tuscany, or close to home. The builder suggests ideas, and you can type any destination.
How long does it take to get a proposal?
Within 3 business days. The proposal includes a draft itinerary, speaker options and a per-person price range.
Why doesn't the group builder show prices?
Every group trip is built around your destination, CE hours, lodging and dates, so we price it once we know what you want. Your proposal includes a per-person price range.
Can partners come on a group CE retreat?
Yes. Partners and friends join on an Explorer ticket, which includes everything except the CE sessions.
Does requesting a group retreat proposal cost anything?
No. Requesting a proposal is free and there's no commitment. You only pay if your group decides to book.
Get first pick of 2027 trips
Join the free waitlist. No payment, and you'll hear first when booking opens.
Keep reading
- How to Plan a Veterinary Team Retreat with CE
- Do Veterinary Practices Get a Tax Break for Paying for Employee CE?
- Veterinary CE Requirements by State (2026): Hours, Renewal Cycles and Online Limits
- The 2027 international veterinary CE calendar
About us. We build small-group CE and wellness retreats for veterinary professionals. More about Vet Passport.