September numbers down for California veterinary practices
After a steady summer, revenues have dropped again, particularly for specialty and emergency practices.
No one predicted that recovery from the recession would be easy. Tough times returned to California veterinary practices in September after somewhat steady revenues in July and August, according to the latest study data from veterinary accounting firm Gatto McFerson in Santa Monica, Calif.
The study covers three groups of veterinary practices: Northern California small animal practices, Southern California small animal practices, and specialty and emergency practices throughout the state. Northern California small animal practices fared best of the three, with revenues down 2.79 percent compared to September 2008, adjusted for price increases. Revenues dropped 7.28 percent for Southern California practices during the same timeframe. Specialty and emergency practices in California continued to perform poorly, with revenues down 9.48 percent.
The news isn't all bad for small animal practices. Revenues at Northern California practices have dropped just 0.52 percent during the first nine months of 2009, compared to the first nine months of 2008, while Southern California practices have seen a 0.86 percent drop. Specialty and emergency practices, however, have seen revenues drop 7.58 percent compared to 2008.
The study collected data from more than 100 practices throughout the state. Click here for more information.
