Commentary: article includes commercial references If you skimmed Graham Garrison’s article and you believe in helping develop the feline veterinary business, it is worth another read or two. This would be a fun article to discuss and workshop with a veterinary team. It’s more than a 10-minute read, so we asked CoPilot to create a summary page as an experiment. Source: … [Read more...]
Exceptions to the 3-year rule of thumb for keeping tax records
Summer is a good time to declutter. But what about saving tax information? Three years? Seven years? Martin Shenkman, CPA, JD, shares reasons you may wish to keep tax returns and related paperwork longer than the three-year audit period. Source: BottomLineInc, August 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
GTD founder David Allen shares advice he’s never disproved
Now in his 80s, David Allen reflects on past experiences, noting the whole is greater than the sum of the parts when people convene in the context of shared investments, interests, standards and commitments. He shares advice from a long-time friend in this article. All the coolest things that you will experience in your life will either directly or indirectly happen because of … [Read more...]
Growing your practice
The same 12 elements that produce success for distribution reps calling on your practice will also help your staff produce greater success with your customers. In sales, ‘NO’ is just part of the game, shares Brian Sullivan in this article. Don’t let rejection slow you down; let it fuel you. Each ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes.’ Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2023. … [Read more...]
WOAH urges investment in vaccines as defense against growing disease threats
Commentary Before you say, “well, duh” or “it’s a global issue” or “we diligently promote vaccination,” take a few moments to read this article and skim the World Organization for Animal Health report. You’ll likely find some convincing facts to share the next time you encounter vaccine hesitancy. It warns that infectious diseases are spreading into new territories, placing … [Read more...]
Report: Misinformation, misconceptions can make pet obesity discussions difficult
Commentary We liked Don Vaughn’s approach to this article. He involves several veterinarians, is realistic about non-veterinary obesity information influences, time management restrictions during clinic visits and the relative lack of comfort many veterinarians have when discussing obesity. The lack of nutrition education in veterinary curricula is noted and … [Read more...]
13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes
As garden centers close out spring flowering plants to get ready for the fall planting season you may still be able pick up one or two of these plants that help keep mosquitoes away. Locally, marigolds, lavender, citronella and basil are still available. Source: Martha Stewart, April 15, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
How to move forward when you don’t know your next career step
Moving forward when you don’t know your next career step while knowing you want more can be an uncomfortable crossroad. A 2024 study revealed that nearly half of the workforce feels burned out or dissatisfied with their current job. Mary Olson-Menzel and Ruth Gotian share 10 steps as a road map toward clarity and action to enable moving toward something more satisfying or a … [Read more...]
Context: Using the past to shape the future (video)
People with the Context strength theme <Link> look to the past to understand the present and guide the future. Jim Collison and Jillian White discuss how Context team members contribute, what they need to be comfortable and partner with others who have different top strengths. Source: Gallup, May 2025. Link. Clifton Strengths, YouTube <Link> [12:55] Context … [Read more...]
Engagement and retention
There’s no magic elixir to the problem of turnover, shares Michelle Gouldsberry. It requires understanding your employees and designing programs that meet their needs. Betterworks research found that employees are almost three times as likely to be running from companies to get away from their old job (72 percent) as they are heading toward new companies for exciting new … [Read more...]
Microsoft study: work may be stopping us from being productive
Includes Commercial Links Microsoft’s June 2025 Work Trend Index Special Report has warned of "the infinite workday," which it says is a "significant shift" in the hours we work, largely thanks to the influence of hybrid working locations - and, of course, AI. They found a major increase in users coming online by 6:00 a.m., when 40 percent of them are scanning their inbox to … [Read more...]
Krista Martin joins Project Sticker Board of Directors
In her new role, Krista Martin, MSSW, LCSW, C-AAIS, will also help lead the oversight and development of one of Project Sticker’s cornerstone initiatives: exploring the impact of daily veterinary tasks on mental health. Project Sticker’s current work includes building the first centralized site, StickWithUs.vet, to connect veterinary professionals with mental health resources, … [Read more...]
Calling all relief veterinarians to investigate what is driving burnout
Prompted by rising burnout rates among relief veterinarians, Serenity Vet is conducting a study in collaboration with Talkatoo, with research guidance provided by Dr. Ivan Zak, CEO of Galaxy Vets. The survey will explore key factors affecting mental well-being and job satisfaction in this rapidly growing veterinary professional group. Veterinarians who practice relief either … [Read more...]
Research in action: Shedding light on the age-old mystery of early pregnancy loss in mares
The answer to a foal lost during pregnancy is most often, “I don’t know.” Not satisfied with that answer, Mandi de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAP, MRCVS, refocused on the embryo to uncover possible reasons why they survive. Her ongoing research on the genetics of equine embryos overlaps with similar questions in human pregnancy loss, specifically recognizing gene copying … [Read more...]
Neuroscience and perspective
Most people think reality is shaped by events, but it’s shaped by how those events are explained. Why does this matter? Because the stories people tell themselves shape the actions they take. Source: LinkedIn, June 13, 2025. Link. When setbacks are explained as permanent, pervasive, and personal, motivation disappears. But when reframed as temporary, isolated, and external, … [Read more...]
Lincoln Memorial sues AVMA over accreditation
VIN provided this brief: Lincoln Memorial University is suing the American Veterinary Medical Association eight months after its veterinary school was put on accreditation probation. The complaint filed today alleges the AVMA's Council on Education, which accredits veterinary schools primarily in the United States and Canada, is engaged in "a conspiracy to control, … [Read more...]
Speak up: Respectful rebels welcome
Commentary An industry colleague once reminded me that the best results are found after embracing dissension or disagreements. This perspective promotes embracing difficult experiences, rather than avoiding them so they can lead to growth, learning, and ultimately, better outcomes. This article by Deborah Grayson Riegel, MSW, PCC, reminded me of that conversation and the … [Read more...]
Consumer sentiment rebounds sharply in June
Commentary Okay, so the photos are unrealistic. But, economic indicators suggest that now there is a likely opportunity for veterinary clinics to bring back clients’ pets that are past due for wellness checks, oral health procedures and vaccinations. Consider the potential for a campaign to reach owners stretching their pets’ adherence timelines to return to the … [Read more...]
AAHA announces leadership transition
Garth Jordan will step down as chief executive officer on June 30, 2025, after five years of distinguished service that transformed AAHA’s global reach and industry impact. Dr. Guylaine Charette, a past president of AAHA, will assume the role of interim CEO beginning July 1, 2025. Source: AAHA, June 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Calf vaccinations: You won’t find all the answers in a bottle
What a great title for Michigan State University veterinarian Angel Abuelo’s presentation he shared during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference on February 6th and 7th in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Bev Berens shared information Abuelo reviewed, including immunology basics, passive immunity and vaccinating cows, vaccinating calves and vaccination programs. The article is a … [Read more...]
EIA outbreak is reminder to keep Coggins testing updated
The AVMA reported an EIA outbreak that killed 21 horses in the Southwest U.S. <Link>. The incidents are an important reminder of the importance of strict biosecurity protocols and proper training of individuals who work in equine veterinary clinics to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated medical treatment or equipment. Given the summer season of … [Read more...]
Managing resistance
Resistance to change is a natural part of business, and your role when facing a customer’s objections is to facilitate that change and do it better than everyone else. The more you help your customers manage the concerns preventing them from reaching confidence, the sooner you will become more of a trusted adviser versus another person selling something. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Veterinary nutrition residency funded at the University of Tennessee
Marking a notable development in the fresh pet food sector's involvement in veterinary science, The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine has launched a new veterinary nutrition residency program. The two-year program is backed by a sponsorship from The Farmer's Dog. The program meets board eligibility standards set by the American College of Veterinary … [Read more...]
Forbes, How can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care?
Commentary We held this article for a few weeks trying to best present the content for consideration. Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities, wrote it. She shares metrics seen routinely in various media and calls the rising cost of pet care a full-blown pet healthcare crisis. I disagree. I believe we have a pet parent spending problem veterinary hospitals are … [Read more...]
Review: Diagnostic testing for tick-borne diseases; recommendations, interpreting results
Ticks are making the news across the U.S. as resident populations bloom and areas experience new tick species migrating into a region for the first time. A large percentage of vector-borne diseases reported are vectored by ticks, with dogs acting as sentinels for human exposure to concerning bacterial, protozoal and viral agents. In this article, Doctors Schlemmer and … [Read more...]
The emotional toil of unheeded advice
“Darn it! <my friend> didn’t act on what their new pet needed. Now it’s ill.” The situations described here by Shannon Nowak, BS, LVT, RVT, will be familiar to many animal health pros. It does sting when people seek your professional advice then promptly ignore your recommendations. Her guidance to show up but with boundaries is good advice. Put your time, energy and … [Read more...]
The enemy of customer service is pride
Right or wrong, the goal isn’t to win an argument, rather it is to win the customer, writes Shep Hyken. When we let go of pride and focus on helping, we create better outcomes for everyone involved. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2025, Link. The next time you find yourself in a situation where you know the customer is wrong, ask yourself, “What’s more important, being … [Read more...]
Logic, emotions and decisions
Our logical brain and our emotional brain are always at work in any decision-making process. The importance of the decision determines which one drives the decision. Source: Veterinary Advantage, October 2023. Link. The “decision tree” dynamic is constantly in play and creating decision-making attitudes within the customer.” INSIGHTS: Attitudes are situational and … [Read more...]
A natural approach to the #1 problem in pet shelters
Commentary, Sponsor Content The challenges with animals in a shelter environment are well-known. Helping them during this very stressful transition period is critical to them advancing toward a healthier existence and successful adoption. Steven Lerner, PhD, and Davey Stone recently shared a webinar to introduce and refresh animal health pros’ knowledge of the benefits of … [Read more...]
WILMAH to launch mentoring platform, plans Leadership Summit in November
The Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health group’s May newsletter urges members to consider mentorships ahead of a new mentoring platform soon to launch. In addition to a June 26th webinar, remember to mark calendars for the 2025 Wilmah Leadership Summit will take place scheduled for November 5th-7th in St. Petersburg, Florida. WILMAH also just launched a new … [Read more...]