.S. Eliot once said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
There is no question that building your own veterinary practice comes with a multitude of challenges, new responsibilities and risks you will certainly take along the way. Experiencing a global pandemic forced the veterinary industry to think outside the box with how we provide pet care and, as a result, we’ve seen fundamental changes put into practice that benefit pets, pet owners, and vets and their care teams alike.
Taking a veterinary business from “meets standards” to “exceeds expectations” requires focusing on three key areas: the human-animal bond, pet care consumerization, and technology utilization. Each of these areas requires a different approach and mindset, but all are crucial to a future veterinary business’s success. Let’s unpack these three best practices a little further to uncover how you can take your business from good to great…
The human-animal bond is also a critical factor in a pet parent’s decision-making process, so veterinary professionals must understand its importance and take steps to strengthen the relationships of the pets and parents they serve on a daily basis. In the same way, pet ownership is significantly connected to improving human health. In fact, 87% of pet parents have experienced both mental and physical health benefits of the human-animal bond. 1 By helping pet parents understand the benefits to themselves and to their pet’s overall care, veterinary professionals can provide quality pet care that goes beyond the office and directly into the pet’s home.
For example, many pet parents are looking for online appointment booking, virtual access to pet health records and digital payment methods. Pet parents want to feel that they are involved in every step of their pet’s treatment, which may seem as a hassle to some pet care centers. However, creating transparent and accessible pet care does not always have to weigh on your staff, nor should it ever be withheld from pet parents. By incorporating these technologies, veterinary professionals can make it easier for pet parents to access the services they need and make it less painful to manage their pet’s health.
Further, adopting digital tools in your veterinary practice can streamline and automate many administrative tasks that are critical to running a successful veterinary business. In turn, this will allow more time for veterinary professionals to focus on providing high-quality care to pets and their parents, while also ensuring a timely and efficient experience.
By focusing on these three critical areas, veterinary professionals can take their businesses from being deemed acceptable to outstanding. In addition, they can improve the veterinary experience for both pets and their owners, and build a consumer-centric model that meets the needs of pet owners in the future.
Whether through education, offering a welcoming environment or utilizing technology, veterinary professionals must be proactive in their approach to pet care and be willing to embrace change to stay ahead of the curve.
