The 3 times rule helps lock in stools

In addition to educating clients about zoonoses and sending parasite prevention reminders, Nancy Potter, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and practice manager at Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, Kan., says her practice uses the "three times" rule to make sure pets get fecal exams. Here's how it works:

1. When clients call to schedule an appointment, client service representatives ask clients to bring in a stool sample.

2. When they call to confirm the pet's upcoming appointment, they remind pet owners to bring a stool sample.

3. If clients don't bring a sample, they charge for a prepaid fecal and send home a container. "Since they've already paid for the test, they're much more likely to return a sample for analysis," Potter says.