Business

Work smarter, not harder, with these tips and tricks to kick it up a notch with your veterinary practice management software.

Sometimes life happens, and other times you can take charge-if you know what to do. Consider these tips to help make your life and your work in veterinary practice work together.

Pass out this resource to clients with affected dogs.

An arm-twisting, high-pressure veterinary salesman meets his match in the form of a practical joke.

Whether you like it or not, spay-neuter clinics are here to stay. But just how much do they really impact the livelihood of your practice? And what can you do to keep your profits up when a low-cost clinic moves into your neighborhood? Find out what our experts had to say.

Whether you're dodging their bark or their bite, there are many ways to beat a bully in veterinary practice. Consider these facts and advice from experts to handle conflicts with bosses and co-workers.

Keep your practice afloat on newsfeeds and websites with these tips from our experts. Learn how to maximize your presence and success on Facebook, Twitter, and beyond.

Web-exclusive content joins August 2012's print offerings to highlight some of the biggest trends and new solutions to veterinary practice difficulties.

Before you assume the role of practice owner, take note of these tips.

The 2012 Veterinary Economics Business Issues Survey and our expert decide who has the toughest job in a veterinary practice. Opinions vary.

Save the client lecture-try handouts instead.

Of course you need to buy new equipment and products to keep up with advances in medicine and answer growing consumer demand. Sometimes you pick a winner and other times you don't.

I'm worried my restrictive covenant is too tight. Is it legal?

At least until you've familiarized yourself with your state veterinary practice acts. You're responsible for knowing and following the laws that regulate other health professions – not just veterinary clinics.

Is your net worth below zero? Not to worry, Veterinary Economics experts reveal the best ways to conquer debt before it conquers you.

Not doing so may encourage employees to do the same, and that's theft.

You think you're broadcasting loud and clear, but pet owners may not be getting the message -- or feeling as though their needs are served. Find out what you can do with this exclusive data from Veterinary Economics and Trone Brand Energy.

Does the word "contract" send shivers down your spine? Are your palms sweating just thinking about noncompete clauses and restrictive covenants? Let us ease your fears and set the record straight on what's legal.

Learn how to keep your personal life and professional life in balance

For one in four veterinarians across the country, clients who don't speak English are increasingly common. Here's how two practices tried to bridge the language barrier.

Don't let the demands of life in veterinary practice stand in the way of your fitness and health goals. Learn how to carve out more quality time for you and reap the benefits both in and outside of practice.

The Ultimate How-To Team Edition

Correct answer for Image Quiz: The outcome of a food fight

Meet clients' emotional needs and build loyalty.

C. Scott Learned, MS, MBA, PE, is president of Design Learned, which specializes in engineering, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, noise control, and fire-protection exclusively for animal-care facilities. Learned is a board-certified mechanical engineer and electrical engineer.

Wendy Wheeler Martinez is the Director of Design for BDA Architecture P.C. She has worked on more than 275 veterinary treatment and animal housing facilities throughout the United States, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. Her designs have contributed to twelve Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Awards won by BDA Architecture. And she’s a regular speaker at the Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Conference.

Wayne Usiak, AIA, is a senior partner of Wayne Usiak and Associates/BDA Architecture P.C. The firm has completed more than 500 small-, mixed-, and large-animal practices. Among the facilities are three Veterinary Economics Hospital of the Year Award winners. Usiak is a member of the Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board.

Pet owners are paying attention-set an example.

Babies who live with dogs and cats during their first year of life may be less susceptible to respiratory infections.

Mark Hafen, AIA, is a founding member of Animal Arts, a veterinary design firm based in Boulder, Colo., that has designed more than 300 veterinary hospitals and more than 40 animal shelters. The firm has won 30 awards in the Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition.