• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Client happiness is a reasonable wait at your veterinary practice

November 24, 2015
Christine Shupe

Remember Charlie Brown's friend Linus? He was famous for saying, "Happiness is a warm blanket." But for many pet parents, the source of true happiness is a short wait at their pet's veterinary visit.

A recent VHMA Insider's Insight survey polled respondents about how waiting is addressed in their practices. The majority-59 percent-reported that the practice doesn't track client wait times.

How long is too long?

According to a national study of the veterinary industry, patients wait an average of 17 minutes before seeing a veterinarian. VHMA respondents were asked how long their clients will wait before their patience is tested. The results: respondents reported their clients have a low wait time threshold. Seventy percent reported that after less than 15 minutes of waiting, clients become irritated.

Creating a stress-free environment

Almost all practices surveyed have introduced strategies to reduce waiting room stress. Ninety percent believe honesty is the best policy. These respondents strive to inform and update clients about delays that affect scheduled appointments. 

Advertisement

 

Seventy-four percent noted that if a strong bond between the client and veterinarian exists, clients are more likely to abide long wait times.

Waiting may be hard, but with proactive measures in place practices can reduce stress levels for clients-and for patients.

Click here for a quick quiz to test your team on your practice's wait times.

Related Content:

CE
Flex forecast: January 2023
Flex forecast: January 2023
Spooktacular CE opportunities
Spooktacular CE opportunities
UC Davis continuing education events to return to in-person sessions
UC Davis continuing education events to return to in-person sessions

Advertisement

Latest News

Pet Advocacy Network honors outstanding contributions to the pet care community

Traditional and holistic treatments for giardia

ASU trustees approve the creation of a new veterinary school

6 tips for first-time dog owners

View More Latest News
Advertisement