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Meet our EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD!

DVM, DACVS-SA

Jenifer Chatfield
DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM

CVT

DVM, DACVECC
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Britany Smith

DVM, CVPM




How Partnering with Clients Can Improve Cat Visits
e all know that cats are not seen as often as dogs in practices across the United States, even though they outnumber them as household pets. There have been many cases in my own practice where I have been seeing a family’s dog for a long time when suddenly they appear with an elderly (and now sick) cat that I never knew they had. I have asked these clients why we had never before seen their cat when we frequently saw their dog (indicating that they are excellent pet guardians), and they replied that cats seem self-sufficient and independent, of course, but they also noted that they dreaded coming in with their cat because it is so much harder, on them and their cat.
Obviously we want cats to not be stressed by their travel or their visit to our practice, but may feel powerless to help. And while there is no silver bullet that will miraculously make every cat love you, there are many tools that you can employ that add up to a much better experience for everyone, and it starts with getting your clients involved.
Numerous websites offer articles and guides devoted to transporting cats in a safe and positive way.1, 2 Podcasts are another good source of information about cats for both professionals and pet owners, including interviews with cat specialists and behaviorists about vet visits and cat training.3
You have to think like a cat in order to see the experience like they do, then you can address each scary feature as best you can.

Pheromones and aromatherapy can also offer a non-threatening scent. Have changes of clothes for staff in case of accidents or anal gland discharge. Reapply pheromone spray to clothing and towels often. The manufacturer of Feliway® spray suggests reapplying every four to five hours for maximum efficacy.
A window perch in an exam room can serve two purposes for cats: the bustle outside can be distracting and the safety of feeling elevated can make some cats feel secure. The distraction provided by a view of outdoors can also be entertaining for cats. Be sure to spray pheromone spray on the towels or bedding when you change it between patients.

Cats do not typically respond well in the face other animals, so always keep them inside their carrier, covered and lifted up and away from curious dog noses in your waiting area. Many practices have eliminated their waiting area and take pets to individual exam rooms immediately upon arrival. Also consider removing posters or photos of actual cats from your walls. Patients may respond poorly to realistic images.
A few cats have learned such fear from handling that they are only able to be handled with full sedation. But even these cats can learn to trust you if you never push them to the point of fight or flight. The secret is to do as much as you can within the comfort level of the cat and stop when they indicate discomfort.
When you see these signs, stop immediately and explain to the owner that their cat is indicating distress with the handling. They may offer suggestions or be able to calm the cat with their words or touch. Be mindful if the cat has advanced to hissing or growling, because even the owner could be at risk, and it is best to close the carrier and try another day with anxiety medication on board. Know that full sedation is an option, but if you utilize all of these techniques, these cases are few and far between.
Practices should be optimized for an individualized experience based on each cat’s specific temperament. Strive for things that the cat perceives as calming (or at least not frightening); be aware that cats depend on scent and have more sensitive hearing than humans; offer enticing food options to encourage normal behavior; and utilize handling that is respectful of the cues they provide about their comfort level.
Preparing the owner to be your partner by giving them resources and education so that they are on your team to help their cat is crucial. It will take more time initially to make sure that owners understand, and not every owner will see the importance, but any step toward a better experience for our patients is an investment in their welfare and in ours. Most owners are open to making the experience better, and when we see a happy and relaxed cat moving calmly around the exam room, eating treats, we know that we are doing the right thing.
- Lombardi, L. Teach Your Cat To Go Into A Carrier—Without A Struggle. Fear Free™. https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-your-cat-to-go-into-a-carrier-without-a-struggle/
- Teaching Your Cat to Ride in a Carrier. ASPCA. https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/resource/downloads/2020-2020-06/aspca-teaching-cats-to-ride-in-carriers.pdf
- Dr. Kathryn Primm (Host). (2023, August 29). Maximize your Vet Visit. (No. 115). In “Nine Lives with Dr. Kat”. Pet Life Radio. https://petliferadio.com/ninelivesep115.html#





By Mary Tan
Photos provided by Roo
t’s no secret that being a veterinarian can be extremely grueling and stressful. The long hours, working with difficult pet parents, the sometimes grim patient outcomes and feelings of being unappreciated have many veterinarians expressing burnout in the profession. But what if you could take control of your life and work as an independent contractor or relief veterinarian instead?
“It was great to be your own boss and have so much flexibility,” Dr. Steller shares. “I was really an entrepreneur running a one-person business. I would recommend doing relief work to anyone. But you do have to know how to run a business, especially when it comes to taxes.”
Taxes are one of the challenges of doing relief work, but according to Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, who started working as a relief vet while also holding a full-time position after finishing veterinary school in 2015, it’s far easier than you think.
Dr. Findlaytor worked as a relief veterinarian for many years. With plenty of student debt after he graduated from the University of California, Davis, he worked extra hours at another veterinary clinic to supplement his income and pay off his loans. Soon he found that he liked the freedom so much, he decided to become a full-time contract vet. Dr. Findlaytor loved the ability to control his own schedule and meet and work with new people.
“You have so much control over your life that it’s hard to go back to a full-time position,” he states. “I remember I took a trip to Japan and wanted to stay longer. I was able to do that because, as a relief vet, I had so much flexibility. You also learn and experience so much working at a variety of places: in big and fancy hospitals, as well as unique and small clinics.”


You have so much control over your life that it’s hard to go back to a full-time position. You also learn and experience so much working at a variety of places.

– Dr. Andrew Findlaytor

When you’re a relief vet, you’re a small business. Dr. Findlaytor recommends establishing an LLC and/or S-Corp in your state. S-Corp status is often the best way to go as a small business since it has better tax advantages. When you work as a contractor for a clinic, you’ll also have to fill out a 1099 form, which the hospital or clinic will submit to the government to report what they paid you.
As a small business, you’re responsible for making sure Uncle Sam gets your tax money. Don’t forget to put aside this money, as it could be difficult paying a large tax bill if you haven’t saved properly. Dr. Findlaytor recommends saving 30% of your total earnings to cover taxes.
As a relief vet, however, you can deduct anything you use for your profession, like mileage, cell phone bills or any veterinary supplies. That can really help lower how much you pay in taxes when you file your tax return.
If you feel uneasy about doing your own tax work, most accountants can easily help you, and their fees are usually reasonable. If you don’t like to do the “business” side of relief work, hiring an expert in the area is advisable, as they can guide you every step of the way.
Dr. Steller says one of her challenges was not always planning for her taxes at the end of the year, which led her to some hefty tax bills.
“I chose not to hire an accountant; I did it by myself,” she explains. “I have to admit this is the part I didn’t care for. But I do think I made considerably more as a relief vet.”
“I love animals, and I love people,” he shares. “It’s exciting to me to work with new people and environments. After working in many hospitals, I have found friendships at all of them.”
For those just graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Findlaytor recommends working a full-time veterinary position to get your feet wet first. Relief work can be beneficial in finding the animal hospital or clinic that meets your needs, but working in a clinic full time gives you the experience to learn more so you can get a feel for what you like and don’t like.
If being a relief vet interests you in the future, be careful not to lock yourself into a non-compete and understand the ramifications of agreeing to a signing bonus. The hospitals may ask for that money back if you leave!
Those who are specialty-boarded veterinarians in areas like cardiology or dentistry also have opportunities for relief work, and often, there is a nice pay differential that can supplement your income even more.
Dr. Findlaytor says working as a relief vet has been perfect for him and his lifestyle, providing him with the freedom to do what he wants. Dr. Steller agrees. While she now works a full-time job, she was able to experience what it was like at a small animal hospital, a big chain of veterinary practices, and a high-volume spay and neuter clinic at a Minnesota animal shelter.
“Being a relief vet allowed me to figure out what kind of situation I like best. I enjoy what I do now, which I figured out thanks to my experiences as a relief vet,” concludes Dr. Steller.
- Roo. https://www.roo.vet/



with contributions from Dr. Katie Lawlor
eterinarians are often the frontline support for pet parents during their most vulnerable moments. The decision to humanely euthanize a pet is heartbreaking, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Vets who provide not only medical expertise, but also empathetic support play an invaluable role in helping pet parents make informed and compassionate decisions. However, this responsibility and role of veterinary professionals cannot be underestimated.
Daily exposure to the grief of pet parents and the weight of end-of-life decisions can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout and several additional mental health challenges. This dual burden underscores the importance of having supportive structures in place, both for pet parents and for the vets who care for their pets.
During their initial conversation, it was brought to Emily’s attention that veterinarians can suffer from high rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, given the often traumatic and heartbreaking nature of their work. Dr. Gervais confirmed these statistics, adding her own personal experiences as well as the struggles and loss of colleagues.
Together these three women immediately resolved to do something about this crisis, and it was from this collaboration that the Veterinary Mental Health Support (VMHS) program1 was founded. They hope to honor Mia’s legacy through their heartfelt work and dedication to the veterinary medicine community.
By recognizing the cognitive, emotional and behavioral demands placed on these professionals, VMHS aims to foster a culture of empathy and care within the veterinary community. It emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness while validating and normalizing asking for help, just as their patients—four-legged and two-legged—do.
- Communication: Encourage honest, open and vulnerable conversations with pet guardians about the end-of-life process and the emotional challenges it entails. Fostering a safe space for both of you to express your feelings can help mitigate their grief.
- Support Networks: Develop support networks within the clinic or hospital where staff feel encouraged to share their experiences and show up for each other. Peer support can be incredibly effective in aiding the emotional toll of the role.
- Continuing Education: Participate in workshops and training sessions focused on grief management and mental health. Staying informed about evidence-based practices can equip veterinary professionals with the tools they need to process grief more effectively in the context of their job.
- Self-Care: Prioritize mental and physical wellbeing. Regularly engage in activities that promote stress relief and fulfillment, and seek professional help from a licensed clinician if needed. Taking care of one’s health is crucial to providing the optimal care for patients and clients.
- For Clients and Pet Guardians: For your clients and pet guardians, there is support available that you can refer them to so you don’t have to bear the burden alone. Resources include national support hotlines, virtual support groups, books, grieving cards and more.
Veterinarians can help people prepare for their loss and the reality that many people might not understand what they are going through. They can help them anticipate these inner conflicts and prepare to handle these common situations as more and more people embrace the full emotional spectrum of emotionally committed pet ownership; and they can remind pet parents that, despite the pain, they will get through this crisis and emerge stronger.
I hope that vets embrace their role in supporting pet parents and normalize pet grief at home, in the workplace and in the veterinary sector to help people get the support they need when losing beloved pets.
- Veterinary Mental Health Support. https://nomv.org/peer-support/





s veterinary care becomes more sophisticated, pet owners are often caught off guard by the rising costs—but the reasons behind these increases are more complex than they might expect. From advancements in medical technology to real estate and supply chain pressures, the drivers behind veterinary costs are multifaceted.
Practice owners are challenged by delivering high-quality care while maintaining sustainable operations. But by understanding the core reasons behind these rising costs, both veterinarians and pet owners can explore ways to meet these challenges without sacrificing the care animals deserve.
To manage these costs more effectively, veterinarians can integrate new technology gradually or explore alternatives to outright purchases, such as leasing equipment or partnering with multi-specialty practices. By remaining flexible, practice owners can offer cutting-edge care while ensuring they don’t overextend their financial resources.
The workforce shortage also means current veterinary professionals are taking on heavier workloads, prompting practices to offer more competitive pay to attract and retain talent. To address these staffing changes, practice owners can rethink their workforce strategies, including a mix of full-time and part-time staff or relief workers. Compensation packages, like flexible loan repayment, can make veterinary careers more financially sustainable for those already in and entering the field. Encouraging veterinary technicians to engage in professional development opportunities to take on more responsibility can also foster better workflow and improve overall operational efficiencies.


To manage these supply chain pressures, practices are diversifying their suppliers to mitigate shortages and inflated costs. Veterinarians who are proactive about obtaining supplies and anticipating potential disruptions can better protect their budgets and ensure that their quality care doesn’t suffer, ultimately preventing higher costs from trickling down to clients.
The key is transparency. Educating clients on the benefits of preventive care and early intervention or offering flexible pricing options can help make routine care more accessible. This helps spread the cost over time while ensuring pets receive a higher standard of care throughout their lives.
To offset some of these financial pressures, veterinary clinics are expanding service offerings to include grooming and boarding. Creating additional revenue streams allows practices to remain competitive without dramatically increasing the prices of essential care.
Insurance premiums, including those for professional liability and health coverage, are also contributing to the increasing cost of pet care as clinics work to protect their facilities, equipment and staff. Though malpractice suits are less common in veterinary medicine than in human healthcare, insurance is still a necessary expense that influences operational costs. Streamlining coverage can reduce unnecessary expenses and allow for more flexibility to invest in other areas of care.
As veterinarians and pet owners navigate these financial challenges, maintaining transparency around rising costs is key to fostering trust. By openly communicating about the factors driving these increases and the importance of preventive care, practices can build stronger relationships with clients and set themselves apart as leaders in the veterinary field.




By Renee Machel
oney impacts all of us differently depending on our stage of life, career and personal experiences. However, financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce, and financial instability is closely linked to mental health struggles, including depression and even suicide. And while these are extreme examples, they underscore how money inevitably intertwines with our overall wellbeing.
As someone who works with thousands of professionals, I’ve seen firsthand that money is more than just numbers in an account. It’s a tool—deeply tied to our sense of security, peace and fulfillment.
Money can be a difficult topic to broach, as many of us weren’t taught how to have open and honest conversations about it. This makes self-awareness—understanding your triggers, habits and mindset around money—key to fostering financial harmony and generational growth.
Since childhood, I’ve engaged in an exercise of adding items to my cart and then putting them back. Now, I build and rebuild online carts as a form of delayed gratification. This simple habit strengthens financial discipline and helps me distinguish between wants and needs.
Another tactic I’ve embraced is getting comfortable with returning items I may have purchased impulsively. While it’s inconvenient, the act reinforces thoughtful spending. By reallocating that money to more important goals, I’ve also become more attuned to the behaviors driving overspending.
You don’t need to wait for a new year or Monday to make changes. Any day can be the right day to set new intentions and actionable tasks. The key is consistent effort. Over time, these movements lead to profound transformations. While the financial landscape has shifted, the habits remain timeless: choose wisely and remind yourself often.
If you’re just starting to focus on your finances, immerse yourself in learning—read books, listen to podcasts and take online financial courses. If you’re already financially savvy, continue educating yourself while working closely with a financial advisor to stay informed and secure.





Helping People and Pets Feel Better Through Conscious Care
By Rebecca Shipman
Photos by Andreas Stahly
hen you practice ‘consciously,’ you commit to purposeful decision-making, staying present during appointments, and reducing medical errors,” explains Dr. Melissa Magnuson, “The Conscious Vet,” and creator of the Conscious Care™ program.
“You balance science with humanity, using evidence-based medicine while honoring the emotional and personal aspects of care,” she continues. “My goal is to treat every patient to the best of my ability, using whatever resources are available.”
Dr. Magnuson grew up on a small pig and cattle farm in southern Minnesota, where the only two people who frequented the farm were the milkman and the veterinarian, with whom she was completely enamored with.
“He did so many cool things,” Dr. Magnuson shares, “like save the lives of our cows and pigs! I thought he was magical. I couldn’t wait to grow up and be exactly like him. I wanted it all—I wanted to drive the cool vet truck, wear veterinary coveralls, and carry a stethoscope.
Dr. Magnuson initially went to college and majored in Biology and Philosophy at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shortly after graduation, she took a job with Solvay Animal Health, where she helped develop animal vaccines. At the same time, she started working in veterinary hospitals as a kennel assistant. From there, Dr. Magnuson worked her way up to a veterinary assistant and eventually applied to veterinary school.
“Working in research and veterinary hospitals solidified my passion for this field,” she says.
During veterinary school, Dr. Magnuson worked with Mary Kay Cosmetics, selling skincare products and makeup, which taught her how to run a business successfully.
“I was good at it,” she exclaims. “I even won a car, and it helped me pay for vet school.”
After graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, Dr. Magnuson completed a small animal and emergency internship, which brought her to Boston.
“Following my internship, I did relief work because there were no full-time veterinary positions that I was qualified for at the time,” she shares. “Doing relief work exposed me to many hospitals, opening my horizons on how I wanted to structure my own hospital.”

“Initially, I started out as a mixed animal practitioner, treating both large and small animals,” Dr. Magnuson says. “However, after a colleague of mine—a horse whisperer—was kicked in the head by a horse, I realized it was safer for me to focus on small animals.
“I also had the privilege of working with Dr. Alix Kilgore for many years,” she continues. “She taught me bird and exotic medicine and surgery and was instrumental in fostering my love for treating all species in small animal medicine. Dr. Kilgore is a brilliant teacher, and after she sold her practice, she joined my team at All Pets. I love saying this because it’s a testament to her skill that my mentor now works for me!”

“I see appointments two days a week (10-hour days, about 30-40 patients per day) and perform surgeries one day a week,” she shares. “My days are jam-packed with appointments and sick animals, but I love helping people and their pets.”
Dr. Magnuson coined the name, “The Conscious Vet,” because of how she practices medicine, which is by taking a thoughtful and mindful approach to veterinary care.
“I focus on being self-aware, mindful of my emotions and reactions in high-pressure situations, and recognizing my strengths, limitations, and biases,” she explains. “This approach helps me make better and more compassionate decisions.”
“After 26 years in the profession, there’s no greater gift than passing on my knowledge, skills, and expertise,” she shares.
In the near future, she plans to expand Conscious Care™ to include pet owners as well.
“Veterinary care is advancing rapidly, and while innovations are exciting, it’s crucial to educate pet owners about the costs of care,” Dr. Magnuson states. “Pet care is expensive—whether through insurance or personal savings, planning is essential.


Another way Dr. Magnuson has connected with pet owners is through her book, Animality: How Pets and People Connect, which brings readers on a breathtaking journey that closes the gap between men, women, children, and the animal world.
“The connection between humans and their pets is far deeper, broader, and more meaningful than most of us realize,” she says.
As a mother of three grown daughters, Dr. Magnuson is proud to balance her family life while managing three hospitals, launching and growing her mentoring business, and working on her second book. She also enjoys traveling with her husband, who is a photographer, which has allowed them to visit places like Africa and Iceland and experience incredible cultures.

“My husband and daughters are the best things that have ever happened to me,” she shares emphatically. “Even though my daughters are grown, we visit them monthly—it’s a joy to watch them thrive as adults.”
As for the future of veterinary medicine, Dr. Magnuson hopes to see the veterinary space focus more on sustainability, empathy and a growth mindset, because compassionate care is conscious care.




Maximizing Your New-Hire ROI
cDonald’s is one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, and in addition to its iconic menu choices, it aims to achieve success through its employees by offering training programs for different positions. A new hire at McDonald’s receives floor-based on-the-job (OTJ) training, e-learning modules, classroom programs and job rotations. Hamburger University develops skills and knowledge in restaurant operation procedures. In addition, Archways to Opportunity® offers educational programs toward earning a high school diploma or college degree.
So far, McDonald’s sounds similar to other companies. The difference comes in the time it takes to get a new hire “up to speed” and productive. Like most businesses, McDonald’s gets a return on investment (ROI) for new hires by quickly increasing productivity, generating revenue and reducing costs. “Quickly” means that the new hire is first trained in some basic tasks that do not take six months to learn.
The McDonald’s team member is trained in the “one best way” for cleanliness, service, quality and value. New hires quickly learn how to clean as they spend time in food prep OTJ training. That way, they are immediately productive because they can stop their training, wipe down tables, mop and sweep, return dirty trays to the back and change trash cans. Now, stop and think about your own training process and how quickly your new hire is productive.
To start, identify what the most basic tasks for the CSR are. Maybe they include cleaning, collecting payments, answering the phone and putting it on hold. If you start with these tasks, that person can start “working” on day one, thus improving the ROI.
Think about it; the front reception area gets busy. Clients are entering and leaving, the phone is ringing and your new hire is…standing there watching the chaos unfold because the trainer has to “work.” However, if you start with the basics, your new hire can clean up the accident in the waiting room, help a client to their car or put the next caller on hold. Once things quiet down, it is back to the next item on the training checklist.
The same can be done for technician assistants and certified techs/nurses. What are some basic tasks that can be quickly put to use? Tasks like cleaning and restocking the exam room, putting the next patient in the exam room, or performing nail trims or ear cleaning. Ask any of your team members what they would like that new hire to jump in and do when they are training and it gets busy. Chances are, you will get a list of basic tasks that have an impact during a busy time.
Your ROI for a new hire involves more than just the new hire. You are also tying up one of your experienced professionals. Training can be exhausting for the new hire and the trainer. Give the trainer a break and the new hire a different learning environment using existing training programs. Employ technology, and don’t reinvent the wheel. Fear Free, ACT, atDove, Ignite and many others have training material in bite-size modules, perfect for breaking up the day.
Coordinate your OTJ training with a third-party learning platform to cover the different ways people learn and provide a deeper dive into a topic. While the old adage, “see one, do one, teach one,” may work for some tasks, using online classroom learning, gamification, how-to videos and quizzes creates a well-rounded learning environment.

We often talk about SOPs and treatment options in the veterinary industry. There is good, and then there is the best way. Train on the one best way with acceptable variations when necessary. Allow the team to discuss new medications and treatments in medical care, remove unnecessary steps in processes and address skills gaps in the team. Each is an opportunity for skills, knowledge and abilities (SKAs) growth.
Goal-setting, stretch assignments and promotions should be a natural continuation of your training program because the needs of the business will change as the business grows. Goal-setting is a crucial process that helps team members improve their performance and contribute to the organization’s success. In its simplest form, goal-setting may involve learning tasks for performance improvement. It is also the next step for a higher level of job performance, and it can entail becoming certified or credentialed in a particular role.
A stretch assignment is a challenging task or project requiring an individual to step outside their comfort zone and learn new skills or tackle difficult problems. It provides opportunities to expand one’s knowledge base and gain experience while allowing the person to demonstrate their potential for future roles and responsibilities.
Promotions are not just for management positions. There are many coordinator and lead roles in a veterinary hospital. For example, an inventory coordinator and a shift leader can be a significant career move that increases responsibility and pay and is usually based on a person’s performance, skills and potential.
You wouldn’t want to place an ad for a veterinary technician assistant when you need a certified tech/nurse (or one credentialed in surgery). Why advertise for a kennel person when you really need a CSR? The point is to know what position you are trying to fill. Make sure you have optimized your workflow and have the right people in the right seats on your bus. Now you see where you have empty seats and can clearly define roles and responsibilities in your job ad. In addition, use a detailed job description, set a hiring timeline and establish a clear evaluation process before you contact the first candidate.
Use technology in the recruitment process to make it more efficient. Simplify the application process by using an online application form or allowing candidates to apply via quick links and forms they can complete on their smartphones. Consider conducting phone or video interviews to narrow the candidate pool before inviting candidates for in-person interviews.
Execute a streamlined orientation process. Digitize those forms and documents and make them accessible on your website under an employee-only tab, or email them to the new hire so that the forms may be completed at home and submitted before the start date.
The hiring process can be expensive without a well-defined hiring strategy and the right tools. Regularly evaluate your hiring process to identify areas of waste and implement improvements to achieve a more efficient and effective recruitment process.
- Navarra, K. (2022, April 11). The Real Costs of Recruitment. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/talent-acquisition/real-costs-recruitment

1
Download the AAHA community care guidelines for small animal practice.
Veterinary teams want to be able to help every pet that comes through the door, but they’re often constrained by factors out of their control. Community care is a creative way of thinking about health care access that mobilizes all available resources in a community. www.aaha.org

Cookbook club.
Cookbook clubs, or groups where each person cooks a recipe from a particular cookbook and then brings it to a potluck-like meeting, are taking off. All you need is a space to gather and people who love to cook!


indevets general practitioner rotating mentorship program.
5


7




Western Veterinary Conference in las vegas.




– Dr. Melissa Magnuson,



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