• 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.

What's in a name?

January 1, 2013
Marty Becker, DVM

Stories about pet names help you keep track and give veterinary clients a chance to share why this particular pet is so beloved.

Editor's note: This new monthly column by Dr. Marty Becker explores the ways that today's veterinarian can strengthen the client-patient-doctor bond.

When you first meet new clients over the exam table, do you give a moment's thought to the name of their pets? I do, and so should you.

It's not just because you'll find the stories behind the names sweet, funny, and heartwarming—which they often are. When you ask the story behind a pet's name, you're putting it right up front that you're the kind of person who finds people and their pets valuable and interesting, and who cares enough to find out more about them.

Advertisement

No matter how tired, stressed or distracted I get, I always brighten when someone pulls out a picture of a pet. And it happens everywhere—in TV show green rooms, in exam rooms, in airports, and in planes. Victoria's Secret models, reality TV contestants, authors, movie stars, and politicians all volunteer stories and pictures about their pets when they know a veterinarian's listening.

"What's the story behind your pet's name?" I ask, and I lean in for the answer.

I've heard some great ones too—from "11:30" (for the cat not dark enough to be Midnight) to Riley (as in "Life of," for a former shelter dog). A cat named Laptop, MC Hamster, and Spark Pug for, well, you can guess. And what about Brother? Three girls in a family, always wanted a brother, and with the dog, they got one.

When you combine the name with the story, each pet is as unique as DNA.

Ask your clients! I promise you'll be glad you did. Especially when you see that pet owner at the grocery store, can't remember the person's name, but the pet's name and story dial-up instantly.

Dr. Marty Becker is a popular speaker and author of more than 22 top-selling books, including The Healing Power of Pets. He is the resident veterinarian on Good Morning America, a regular guest on The Dr. Oz Show, and the lead veterinary contributor to www.VetStreet.com. Dr. Becker practices at North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho and Lakewood Animal Hospital in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Related Content:

TechniciansClient Relations & Marketing
Veterinary tech students awarded national scholarship
Veterinary tech students awarded national scholarship
AAHA seeks applicants for its board, including for a newly created veterinary technician role
AAHA seeks applicants for its board, including for a newly created veterinary technician role
A technician’s true value
A technician’s true value

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