Business

There is a homeless pet crisis in the United State that is a direct result of animals left unaltered in our communities. ASPCA and HSUS estimates are that 6-8 million animals are placed in shelters each year and of these 3 – 4 are euthanized. That equates to one animal euthanized every 2 seconds every working day each year.

Do you embrace technology or shy away from it? Technology should not be a dirty word but instead a helpful tool to drive your practice to its next level of excellence. By technology, I am referring to web sites, electronic medical records (paperless practice), email reminders, internet shop sites and yes, even the purchase of new equipment such as digital radiology or a surgical laser. Is it all worth it? Will it make a difference in your practice?

Recent studies consistently report that 75 - 80% of pet owners think of their pets as children.

The economic slump has caused many to realize they must focus less on gut feelings and more on measurement. Whether your hospital is doing well or has flat growth, you must measure your current and future status in order to effectively grow. Evidence-based management is the key to your success.

A web site is a way for you to communicate with your current and future clients, answer frequently asked questions, tell the history of your practice, introduce your services and the veterinarians who provide them, and share who you are and what you do.

Our profession has had its ups and downs over the years. We have seen periods of perceived shortages and excesses of practicing veterinarians. We have moved from a profession of mostly male, large animal practitioners to one of mostly female, companion animal practitioners.

Animals serve many roles when it comes to energy and the planet. Their energy fields are far more expansive than ours – a dog's energy field is approximately 10 times that of a human's. A horse's field will encompass a large arena, and a cat's will fill an entire property.

Recognize the opportunities for raising the standard of medical care, improving patient quality of life, and enhancing the family-pet. Relationship

Protocols create consistency of experience - - for the team, for the client, and for the patient

Culture is what you think and do without thinking about it.

This session starts with a discussion of the various definitions of 'client retention,' including a variety of parameters one can measure with regard to retention. Attendees will define the aspects of client retention most critical to their own hospital, then explore the various factors that might affect retention.

Managers often look to individuals when a problem occurs. When that doesn't work, or when problems repeat, a system problem could exist. In this session attendees will explore operations, facility design, and processes that can affect production and camaraderie at work.

Bloated inventory, excessive staffing, and missed charges take big bites out of your practice's success. It's time to put these gluttonous money-wasters on a diet.

Staff training, net earnings, location, and an honest practice valuation may be holding back your practice's profitabilty.

Your time is valuable, as is your colleagues'. Present a professional image by preparing well in advance for a consultation.

Tick trivia: A clinical quiz, answer 1A

Don't be put in the middle. Teach team members to communicate with each other.

Test your knowledge of human resources and tweak your procedures to keep out of the doghouse.

Got a thin skin about shrinking practice revenue? Offer relief for itchy patients and scratch your own itch to grow the bottom line.

A combination of forces are currently redefining the construction of buildings, homes, barns and businesses.

A quick 15-minute talk can keep you informed and keep your team members motivated.

Tick trivia: A clinical quiz, answer 1C

Recognize teamwork with this simple reward.

Veterinarians struggle to comply with rules no one understands.

You know that only a veterinarian should remove ticks from pets. But do your clients know?

Tick trivia: A clinical quiz, answer 2C

Tick trivia: A clinical quiz, answer 2B

No surprise: Your team will help you find your way.

More than doubling the original practice size, this hospital set out to expand its space and business while holding tight to an 80-year tradition of pet care in the community.

Tick trivia: A clinical quiz, answer 2A