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As the veterinary community continues to face a high volume of clients, plus dealing with the veterinarian shortage, clients that are no-shows can be a frustrating occurrence to staff and clients who could not get an appointment that day. On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Wendy Myers, CVJ, gives host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, 4 things veterinary practices can implement to help get clients in the door.  

I think there are some other options which I'll share for you today that are actually better than collecting a deposit. The other word of caution I'll give you Dr Chrisman is that it depending upon where you're located, in what state like California and Colorado have very different business laws around deposits and you have to be really careful what you call it. That's why I heard you use the term prepayment. Because in California, if it's a deposit, you have to actually have a published and posted deposit policy so that your clients know what the rules are. The local laws may require you to do a refund. Whereas in Colorado, it sides with business, and you don't have to give a refund regardless of the reason. So I will tell you, if you are going to collect deposits, check your local ordinances first, to say that you're going to follow the rules and then be very careful of what you call it. But my advice, don't charge a deposit.

Podcasts

Is your practice struggling with no-shows? If so, this week's guest shares tips that can be your practices solution to no-shows

Four ways to curb no shows

The FDA and the European Union (EU) have expanded the scope of the US-EU Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) Sectoral Annex for Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to include inspections of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Since the Sectoral Annex for Pharmaceutical GMP entered into force in 2017, it has been applicable for drugs only intended for human use. The inclusion of veterinary pharmaceuticals in the MRA is an important step in ensuring the safety and quality of animal drug products and will enhance efficiencies for the US and EU regulatory systems, according to the FDA.

An MRA is an agreement between 2 or more countries to recognize a specific process or procedure of the other country. The joint decision to expand the US-EU Sectoral Annex for Pharmaceutical GMP is the first step toward strengthening use of each other’s animal drug inspection expertise and resources, according to the FDA.

 In January 2021, the FDA entered into force an MRA with the United Kingdom that covers both human and animal drugs. The agency also signed an MRA with Switzerland, in January 2023, that covers pharmaceuticals for both human and animals; however, it is not yet entered into force.

The overall goal of the MRA between the US and the EU is to produce greater efficiencies and provide a more practical means for both regulatory systems to oversee the facilities that manufacture veterinary pharmaceuticals. By utilizing each other’s inspection reports and related information, an MRA can ultimately enable the FDA and the EU to avoid duplication of some animal drug inspections and enable regulators to devote more resources to other areas where there may be greater risk.

Over the past several months, the FDA has taken numerous steps to prepare for expanding and implementing the MRA’s coverage to include veterinary pharmaceuticals. Coverage now includes the sharing of information with the EU about FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine’s oversight of animal drug manufacturing in the US, observing EU audits of individual member states, and conducting assessments of some EU member states’ regulatory frameworks.

The MRA assessment process for veterinary pharmaceuticals is a the same as that for human drugs.2 Assessments for the US-EU agreement have already identified some member states with the capability, capacity, and procedures to carry out routine GMP surveillance inspections that meet FDA requirements for animal drugs.

FDA and European Union Announce Mutual Recognition Agreement for Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice inspections of animal drugs. News release. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. May 31, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-and-european-union-announce-mutual-recognition-agreement-pharmaceutical-good-manufacturing?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

US-EU Mutual Recognition Agreement/frequently asked questions and answers. May 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023. 

https://www.fda.gov/media/168700/download

Articles

The joint decision to expand the MRA's Sectoral Annex for Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices is a step toward strengthening use of each other’s animal drug inspection expertise and resources

FDA and European Union expand Mutual Recognition Agreement to include animal drugs

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) conducted a study on female and male dogs in which they tested the tolerability of broad spectrum cannabidiol (CBD), broad spectrum CBD with cannabigerol (CBG) and broad-spectrum CBD with cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). According to a release from the NASC,

 the study was randomized, non-blinded, negative controlled, and a parallel design repeat dose. Sixteen male dogs and 16 female dogs at least 6-months of age were randomly placed into 4 groups and given either medium chain triglyceride oil as the control or one of the following: a broad spectrum cannabidiol, a broad spectrum cannabidiol with cannabigerol, or a broad spectrum cannabidiol with cannabidiolic acid at 5 mg total cannabinoids/kg body weight/day for 90 consecutive days. Animals were observed daily with detailed clinical examinations conducted weekly.

Upon completion, all animals were reported to have no serious adverse events reported during the study. Based on the data collected, it was concluded by the authors that these substances do not pose significant risk to dogs in long-term use.

“Part of what makes this study unique is the data from support from the NASC’s Adverse Event Reporting System (NAERS) which is the most advanced system of post market surveillance in the world,” said Bill Bookout, president of NASC, in the release. “Through this system, NASC members enter their products, ingredients, administration recommendations into the NAERS database along with the number of units in each container provided to customers. These collective data are processed by algorithms in the system and Adverse Events, both serious and non-serious can be compared and analyzed per million administrations.”

Nutrasource director of preclinical and companion animal services, Margitta Dziwenka, DVM, DABT stated in the release, "This research is a game-changer for pet health offering an expanded horizon for veterinarians, industry, and pet owners alike. These findings grant us a renewed sense of confidence in exploring CBD product development for use in companion animals, so that industry can confidently answer the call and growing demand for natural and alternative products.”

NASC announces successful tolerability study of cannabidiol products in healthy dogs. News release. National Animal Supplement Council. Published May 16, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023.

The National Animal Supplement Council has shared positive results from a recent CBD study

Successful tolerability study of CBD products for dogs

Pet Supplies Plus teams up with Detroit Pistons and 313 Presents for this family-friendly event with adoptable dogs and cats

Pet Supplies Plus, a pet retail franchise in the United States, is launching its second annual 'Dog Days of Summer' adoption event in collaboration with the Detroit Pistons and 313 Presents. According to a company release,

 the free family-friendly event is taking place at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan on Saturday, June 3, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Over 20 shelters and rescues from the metro Detroit-area will be featured at 'Dog Days of Summer.' There will be dogs and cats available for adoption on-site with many being able to go home that day but this will differ by shelter.

"Last year's event made such a difference with more than 100 pets being adopted, and we're excited to give even more pets a forever home this year," said Chris Rowland, chief executive officer of Pet Supplies Plus, in the release. "We're honored the Detroit Pistons, 313 Presents, 20 local shelters and other community vendors want to participate in support of these rescue animals. We encourage all community members looking to expand their families with a furry companion to join us at this great event."

What’s more, Detroit Pistons player Jaden Ivey will be in attendance with Pistons Dancers, Hooper, and the team's hype man "KevKnows." Attendees can engage in giveaways with pet retailers, enjoy themed fun, local food trucks, live pet caricature drawings and beyond. There will also be a main giveaway where 2 lucky winners will receive a gift card to Pet Supplies Plus, summer fun essentials and a Visa gift card.

Free pet giveaways will be distributed by sponsors including Merrick Petcare, Multipet, Outward Hound, Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet and more.

Pet Supplies Plus Partners with Detroit Pistons and 313 Presents for second annual 'Dog Days of Summer' adoption event. News release. Pet Supplies Plus. May 31, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-supplies-plus-partners-with-detroit-pistons-and-313-presents-for-second-annual-dog-days-of-summer-adoption-event-301837921.html

Second annual 'Dog Days of Summer' adoption event to take place in Michigan 

The Vets, a company that offers at-home veterinary care, has expanded to the city of Columbus, Ohio.

 with these at-home offerings, it provides convenience for pet owners and promotes stronger connections between veterinarians, pets, and their owners in a relaxed, anxiety-free environment. The Vets offers a range of at-home treatments, including wellness exams, sick care, diagnostics, and more.

“At The Vets, the well-being and happiness of every pet we serve is of utmost importance," said Daniel Sagis, CEO for The Vets. "Our at-home model creates a nurturing environment where pets feel safe and owners can actively participate in their pet's care. We are excited to extend our exceptional services to the Columbus community, enriching and improving the lives of pets and pet owners with advanced and compassionate care.”

The latest Columbus location welcomes new team members, Krystal Bowers, DVM, and Jeremy Kiene, DVM. The team will service the areas of Canal Winchester, Dublin, Groveport, Hilliard, Lewis Center, New Albany, Obetz, Pataskala, Reynoldsburg, and Westerville.

The Vets: bringing at-home veterinary care to Columbus, Ohio. News release. The Vets. May 30, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023.

Marks its first market in the state and 17th in the US

The Vets expands to Columbus, Ohio

The ElleVet Project is making a return with its summer veterinary mobile relief tour offering free veterinary care and supplies to the pets of the unhoused and low-income communities in the US. The tour starts on June 5, 2023 and continues during the year traveling through California, Washington, and Montana.

 it will make over 30 stops to treat thousands of thousands of pets with an array of services from vaccines to flea and tick preventatives to deworming to general checkups, along with emergency surgeries and offer donated pet supplies to owners. This comes pet ownership has skyrocketed since the pandemic, and veterinary care has become increasingly challenging to find in vulnerable communities.

"Pet ownership within the unhoused and low-income communities provides mental and physical health benefits to their owners - especially women safety benefits," said Amanda Howland, co-founder of The ElleVet Project, in the release. "By treating the pets, we are helping the owners in numerous ways."

Co-founder and CEO Christian Kjaer added, "Pets are an anchor for someone living in these vulnerable communities. When you speak with people experiencing hard times about their pets, it's incredibly helpful to break down conversation barriers and give them extra comfort knowing their pet is being given proper medical services."

"About 93% of the people disintegrated by homelessness have no connection whatsoever to family, so having a pet means everything to people devastated by homelessness. It was overwhelming to see the amount of people with their pets come to The ElleVet Project's 'ElleVan' to get their pets taken care of,” expressed Reverend Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission. "If you are a woman on the streets," Reverend Bales continues, "you have no chance of escaping the threat of rape and women are owning pets for their protection."

Many individuals who have benefited from free veterinary care The ElleVet Project provided cited that the peace of mind knowing their pet is getting the necessary medical assistance is immeasurable.

Unhoused resident Jenny, owner of Sis stated: "People try to come into my tent Sis would throw them in the river. Knowing she is getting a physical and her shots for free is a great comfort to me."

Meanwhile, unhoused resident Jonathan, shared, "I only have so much money to live off and for a vet to treat Gaucho, it would have taken me 10 months to save up. ElleVet's services gave us a great gift by treating him."

"People don't have money or transportation to get their dog medical help," explains unhoused resident Ellie. "To get Ranger treated for free is unbelievable, what a blessing."

By teaming up with local city officials and municipalities, The ElleVet Project hosts a rotating team of veterinarians for the free veterinary offerings. The ElleVet Project travels in a 32-foot RV dubbed the "ElleVan." The complete schedule of summer dates and locations is available on the nonprofit's website

 Donations for vaccines, medical supplies, and emergency surgeries can also be accepted on the website.

"The ElleVet Project" was initiated in April 2020 as the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of ElleVet Sciences.

The ElleVet Project, a national nonprofit offering free veterinary care to pets in vulnerable communities, kicks off their summer tour beginning June 5, 2023. News release. The ElleVet Project. May 31, 2023. Accessed May 31, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ellevet-project-a-national-nonprofit-offering-free-veterinary-care-to-pets-in-vulnerable-communities-kicks-off-their-summer-tour-beginning-june-5-2023-301837633.html

To offer free veterinary care and supplies to thousands of pets of the unhoused and low-income communities

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