The aim of this article is to give veterinary practices advice on how to best promote themselves through networking with animal organizations, community goodwill activities, and public relations. Veterinary practices are the keystone of animal healthcare, and their longevity is measured in the health and longevity of our nation’s pets. The veterinary practice must demonstrate its dedication and commitment to quality of care, innovation, commitment to community goodwill and advancement in the patient Veterinarians are at the front lines of animal health care, having direct contact with animals daily whether in a facility or at the vet’s office.
Veterinary practices that take full advantage of all available opportunities to educate, train, and provide optimal services to veterinarians and their patients are at the forefront of meeting the continuing needs of the American pet owner. Veterinary practices that offer continuing education courses to their veterinary practitioners are at the top of the list in grooming programs. Veterinary hospitals and clinics have a responsibility to educate themselves on the latest technology to increase the safety, effectiveness, and productivity of their operations. Veterinary practices also need to utilize the latest equipment and devices to improve the quality of their patient’s care. As veterinary hospital and clinic owners and operators, they have an obligation to make informed decisions about their institution’s strategic plan.
A well-thought out strategic plan should be developed by your practice and submitted to the state board. The practice will then need to work with the state board to develop an operations manual for the veterinary facility. The operations manual will cover everything from the specific duties of individual veterinarians to the policies governing the organization. It will serve as the manual that governs all aspects of the veterinary practice including, but not limited to, the following: –
A well thought out operations manual can be shared with other veterinary practices that share similar goals and philosophies. This will help to ensure that the various practices are able to work together on providing excellent care to their patients.
Some veterinary facilities have a centralized location where all veterinary services are offered. Other practices operate on a regional level, serving smaller areas or specific cities. These clinics may either provide walk-in care or refer their patients to a veterinary hospital. Many veterinary practices, both small and large, have a separate office where patients can be seen and examined. Some clinics serve entire cities, while others are spread out across a large rural area.
Some veterinary practices have an impact on the local economy. They may sell products to local businesses such as pet stores or grocery stores. In order to flourish, these local businesses need to have a good relationship with the veterinary clinic. They may have questions about the food supply, water source, or the presence of potential disease. A good veterinary clinic can help alleviate some of the concerns of the local business community.
Many animal owners, concerned about the environment, choose to become involved in the work of veterinarians through fundraising. Charities often sponsor fundraising events that give funds to clinics for treatment and other programs. Others organize community events to raise awareness of pet health. In these types of fundraisers, non-profit organizations depend on the support of pet owners. They will receive benefits for their participation such as tickets to events, promotional items, and other recognition.
The work of veterinarians has helped make pet ownership safer for many people. By maintaining a healthy food supply, keeping sanitation standards high, and performing routine wellness checkups on animals, veterinarians have contributed to the public’s well-being. People who take pride in having their pets spayed or neutered stand to benefit the most from their involvement with the veterinary practices. In turn, people who take their pets to private spas for treatments rely on the services of veterinarians to ensure that their animals receive optimal care. People who have other pets, however, can also benefit by involving veterinarians in their lives.
Building community ties and engaging in charitable activities are other ways that veterinary practices can encourage social distancing. When animals are sick or injured at a veterinary practice, Clinic Staff members are trained to be sensitive to their clients’ needs. Equally so, Clinic Staff can provide emotional and other supportive services to clients who are affected by illness or death in their animals. Clinics also can engage in community service projects, such as blood drives, pet walks, or other events that promote social engagement and community goodwill. If you are a veterinarian who wants to build your practice’s social distancing through a series of events, contact a veterinary clinic in your area today.
