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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger

CareVet, a network of hospitals operating in 27 states with over 1,110 team members, announced earlier this week the launch of its new Revenue Share Bonus Program. The new bonus plan, which is based on tenure, provides all veterinary team members the unique opportunity to earn up to $2080 in bonuses per year.

“This incentive bonus program aligns the goals of all members of the CareVet family and rewards team members for the integral part they play in their hospital’s success,” says Greg Siwak, CareVet CEO, in a company release. “Goals are based on revenue and mutually agreed upon by hospital leadership each month. By growing our hospitals together, we are able to invest back into our teams and facilities.”

According to the release, bonuses will be paid out monthly and cost an estimated $3.5 million companywide in 2021. Additionally, this wage increase to $17.08 hourly will impact over 50% of its hospital (or non-veterinarian staff). When combined with its Living Wage Program, the average annual wage increase per person is $6,600.

What’s more? The program was established as an investment in the company’s team members who deliver the highest quality of care and customer service to their patients and clients. 

“We recognize that without our team members we would not be able to provide exceptional service to our patients and clients,” says Siwak, “We see the incredible effort this takes from our team members day in and day out, which is why we’re dedicated to giving back to them. By investing back into our teams and sharing our successes, we give our teams the capacity to serve more pets in our communities, increase compliance, and deliver unparalleled care. At CareVet, we all win together.”

The Revenue Share Bonus Program is 1 component of CareVet’s 

, which was announced April 1, 2021, providing a minimum of $15/hour to all team members.

To learn more about CareVet's new bonus incentive programs, go 

Articles

The Revenue Share Bonus Program will provide all veterinary staff the opportunity to earn up to $2080 in bonuses per year.

CareVet announces new revenue bonus program for all veterinary team members

Saffron (left) who once experienced traumatic stress symptoms upon veterinary visits, is now all smiles, thanks to happy visits. (Photo courtesy of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital).

Mount Laurel Animal Hospital’s (MLAH) primary care team now offers “happy visits,” to encourage both positive association and cooperation for pets during vet visits.

The new service was established in response to concerned pet owners who experienced many roadblocks when bringing in their pets for a visit. According to an MLAH 

, happy visits promote positive emotional learning associated with location (parking lot, exam room, scale), instruments (stethoscope, needles), and team members.

"Happy visits are designed to reduce stress and establish trust and positive experiences with patients. With happy visits, we have seen an appreciable difference in an animal's well-being during routine exams,” says Erica Sweigard, VMD, MLAH's lead primary care veterinarian, in the release. “Performing basic routine care becomes less stressful for the patients, their owners, and the entire veterinary team."

These special visits are conducted using counterconditioning by pairing a pleasure-inducing interaction such as eating treats, with an interaction that previously caused fear or anxiety. Happy visits also involve training pets to comfortably wear a muzzle or Elizabethan collar (if necessary) when handling.

Veterinary visits can be stressful for some animals as unfamiliar people, sounds and smells can incite negative reactions for anxious pets. Before his recurrent happy visits—MLAH patient Saffron—experienced traumatic stress symptoms upon entering the site, resulting in muzzle use and physical restraint.

"Now, with the happy visit approach, Saffron loves coming to the vet and being able to take treats and lay down calmly for his exam, vaccines, and a blood draw. It's like he's a different dog," says his owner.

Learn more about MLAH’s happy visits and other services 

Mount Laurel Animal Hospital recently developed this special approach to care to help improve patient experience and cooperation at veterinary visits.


NJ animal hospital creates “Happy Visits” for anxious patients

Danielle Frey (right) interacts with Spanish-speaking pet parents at the sixth annual Focus on Health Community Clinic in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State University). 

, the United States has the largest population of Spanish-speaking residents where Spanish isn’t the predominant language. However, an access gap to veterinary care for Spanish-speaking pet owners remains.

To help better understand these cultural and linguistic barriers to veterinary care, researchers from Colorado State University’s (CSU) College of Liberal Arts are conducting a multi-year interdisciplinary study. PetSmart Charities’ generous donation will allow the university to conduct phase 1 of their research, which involves performing a comprehensive language needs analysis of veterinary professionals in predominantly Spanish-speaking communities, according to a 

“Language barriers shouldn’t stand between Spanish-speaking communities and veterinary care for their companions. We are proud to support the diverse communities in which we live and look forward to a future where language divides no longer limit access to veterinary care,” says Aimee Gilbreath, MBA, president of PetSmart Charities.

Lead investigator Shannon Zeller, a Spanish instructor and curriculum developer from the university’s department of languages, is teaming up with coprincipal investigator Danielle Frey, DVM, director of veterinary international and outreach student experiences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to conduct this research. Additionally, 5 CSU students will support this initiative: a graduate teaching assistant, a graduate research assistant, and 3 veterinary students.

This June, the CSU researchers will evaluate daily communication between veterinary professionals and their Spanish-speaking clients in clinics and shelters located along the Front Range. Then, the team will use this information to pinpoint any existing communication gaps and discover necessary measures to help resolve them.

In phase 2 of the study, which still needs funding, investigators will utilize the extensive research from phase 1 to help develop in-person and online Spanish-language education opportunities for students at CSU and elsewhere.

“Providing a communication pathway for veterinarians to interact with our country’s growing Spanish-speaking community will help create access to care for those families and their pets,” says Frey.

Learn more about PetSmart Charities and its mission 

The over $350,000 grant will fund phase 1 of Colorado State University’s multi-year interdisciplinary study designed to assess linguistic and cultural barriers between veterinary professionals and Spanish-speaking companion animal owners.

PetSmart Charities funds CSU study to help improve access to veterinary care in Spanish-speaking communities

We made it— it’s Friday! We know you're busy offering the best quality of care to your patients. That's why we remain dedicated to providing you with the latest veterinary news right at your fingertips.   

Check out some of this week's top headlines below.

released the first-ever oral flea and tick tablet for cats

, offering veterinarians and feline pet parents a new safe and effective parasite preventive option.

Previously known as the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, this organization slightly changed its name to the 

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

 to better display its position as an international organization.

Veterinarians lead busy lifestyles. From tips on strategically using technology to pointers on relationship building, 

learn how to maximize your day while providing high-quality

 of unknown causes at Noccalula Falls Park in Alabama took the lives of approximately 78 animals. The zoo is shut down until further notice.

This 8-year-old patient with cancer’s dream to become a veterinarian for the day was fulfilled thanks to Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s teaching hospital and Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. 

Here are some highlights from her special day

San Francisco SPCA filed a First Amendment lawsuit

 against the California Veterinary Medical Board, challenging a law that prohibits telemedicine use between veterinarians and pet owners that have not first met in person.

, Dr Christman is joined by veterinarian-turned-lawyer, Dr Bowens, who discusses what inspired her career pivot and offers advice to other veterinary professionals on the topic.

Stay tuned on social media and dvm360.com for more veterinary news.

Here's a look at this week's highlights. 

News wrap-up: This week's veterinary headlines, plus a podcast about career pivoting

Do you have a love for veterinary medicine but desire to expand your horizon? Maybe it's time to pivot your career. Priscilla Bowens, DVM, JD, MPH, a public health researcher, health preparedness educator, health care legal counsel, and dvm360® Editorial Advisory Board Member has been there and done that. The veterinarian turned lawyer decided years ago that life was far too short not to pursue her passion. Although her journey to becoming a lawyer after practicing as a veterinarian for 10 years was no easy feat, she was determined not to give up.


On this episode of the Vet Blast Podcast, Bowens gets personal about her career pivot and encourages other veterinary professionals looking for change to do some soul searching. Maybe you're a small animal practitioner who wants to work at a large animal practice. Or maybe, you want to start teaching or conducting research— the opportunities are endless, she says. But according to Bowens, you must do your research and talk to your family before making any drastic moves.
Listen below for more on career pivoting and diversity. Bowens will also be speaking at our Fetch dvm360 virtual conference next week. To register, go here.

Podcasts

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, Dr Christman is joined by Dr Bowens, who shares why and how she pursued her law degree after practicing veterinary medicine for 10 years, plus offers tips to veterinary professions interested in career pivoting.

Episode 50: Career pivoting: How to pursue multiple passions

Members of the Franklin County Humane Society proudly receive their check at a presentation event. (Photo courtesy of Clipper Distributing). 

Clipper Distributing Company, LLC, the master distributor for Churu Veterinarian Formula and founder of the Churu Vet Feline Fund, awarded a total of $50,000 (Each shelter received $10,000) to 5 animal shelters—Nevada SPCA, UC Davis Orphan Kitten Project, KC Pet Project, Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, and Franklin County Humane Society.

“We know fundraising has been difficult during this pandemic,” says Kevin Speltz, president, and CEO of Clipper Distributing in a company release. “The winning facilities will be able to create new programs and expand their resources, while also utilizing Churu Veterinarian Formula to help improve the lives of cats in their care.”

The Churu Feline Fund was established to assist animal shelters and rescue facilities coast-to-coast with the cost of caring for animals in need. According to the release, the winners were carefully selected after submitting essays that detailed their plans on using the funds to advance shelter and rescue animal care.

Additionally, the winners were each presented with a $10,000 check during individually held check presentation events. All 5 recipients share a common goal of fostering impactful initiatives ranging from building life-saving facilities and processes to cultivating enrichment programs to better socialize kittens and provide fosters with necessary supplies.

“We are privileged to be part of awarding these shelters in need. We hope these funds, along with the use of Churu Vet, will help shelters foster and home more kittens and cats in the future, and help promote veterinary care throughout their lives,” says Jane Brunt, DVM, executive director of the CATalyst Council and member of the Churu Vet Feline Fund judging panel.

To learn more about Clipper Distributing and its fund, go 

All winning animal shelters received $10,000 and were selected based on essays written about their plans to launch animal-health initiatives for shelter and rescue pets.

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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger