Elise M. Lacher, CPA

The days of set it and forget it when it comes to monitoring your veterinary hospitals finances are done. You cant fly blind as an ownerso start asking questions of the financial advisors at your disposal.

There are pros and cons to each possible business entity you might choose for your new veterinary hospital. No matter what, talk to an accountant and remember you need medical malpractice insurance. Inc. or not, its always your license and personal liability on the line when it comes to cases.

Positive cash flow is the lifeblood of your veterinary business, but there is much more to managing cash flow of your hospital than just looking at the balance in your bank account.

A veterinary practice’s success is highly dependent on employee commitment and engagement, both of which skyrocket when constructive feedback is offered.

If your practice is located near a veterinary school, there is a gold mine of potential new employees waiting for you.

Sometimes just getting something done is much more important than getting it done flawlessly.

The new year brings new tax issues to look at for large and small businesses. Looking back at 2008-and forward to 2009-a challenging year awaits.

The allure of telemedicine is appealing, especially to equine practitioners. Instead of long days behind the windshield or slaving over a horse's mouth on the hottest day of the year, you can be sitting in your air conditioned office-looking at a computer screen, answering questions and solving problems.

You still may be able to lower your tax bill.

Make the most of downtime with a well-earned vacation, wellness appointments, and practice housekeeping.

Changes in horse owners' expectations clear a path for better working conditions?and may let you dedicate more time to your patients.

I do primarily small animal ambulatory work in the Midwest. I'm new to equine practice and trying to get a grasp on fees. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the charges I've seen in our area. Help!

I will be receiving a retirement plan distribution when I change jobs. I intend to roll it over to my new employer's plan and have been told that such a rollover will avoid a 20 percent withholding tax.

I will be receiving a retirement plan distribution when I change jobs. I intend to roll it over to my new employer's plan and have been told that such a rollover will avoid a 20 percent withholding tax.