Client Relations & Marketing

"It's a war out there!" is an oft-cited statement about the competitive business landscape.

How can I encourage clients to buy pet food and other supplies from my practice?

My team members are anxious about calling clients for third reminders. Can you offer a sample script to make these awkward conversations a little easier?

Pet owners with hospitalized pets at Associated Veterinary Specialists in Bridgeton, Mo., always know news about their pet's condition is just a phone call away.

Sometimes pets and their owners share an uncanny resemblance-bad behavior. Use this chart to tackle both species' less favorable features.

Brochures let us explain the technical aspects of parasite-related diseases, the tests to detect them, and the products to control them. Maybe some of our ideas could work for you too.

Review these tips to keep pets safe and healthy during the fall and winter seasons.

Review these tips to keep pets safe and healthy during the spring and summer seasons.

I've been a veterinarian almost 18 years, but must admit I still haven't entirely figured out clients. I went to veterinary school to learn how to treat animals. Until I started practicing, I hadn't stopped to consider that every animal comes with an owner attached, and that these owners - not the animals - are the real challenge.

Use this PDF form to help clients learn the right number of calories to feed their pets.

This round­table discussion shares the current clinical, medical, and scientific understanding of vomiting and its physiology, cause, and control in companion animal­medicine. Due to the paucity of FDA-approved products, the discussion includes the extra-label use of human harmaceuticals.

What's your take on this doctor's take on "designer dogs"? Comment now online.

It's probably hard to believe there's anything about your practice that irritates your clients that you don't already know about. But consider this recently discovered problem at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. It started with a survey that hospital administrators gave to patients when they were sent home from the hospital.

Weight loss is tough for anyone-two-legged or four-legged. However, weight loss can not only add years to a pet's life, it can also make those years more enjoyable. Helping your clients trim a few pounds off of their cuddly companions may be easier than you think. They just need to understand the process, pay attention to detail, and call on your assistance and that of your healthcare team.

Whether you are about to graduate and join a practice as a new associate or if you are still in school, it is important to understand the new findings concerning the role emotions play in building healthy, successful client relationships.

February is National Dental Health Month, putting the annual spotlight on dental care. But Dr. Scott Linick, FAVD, owner of Plainfield Animal Hospital in South Plainfield, N.J., knows the importance of dental care, and not just during Dental Health Month. He uses two methods for encouraging clients to take better care of their pets' teeth year round.

This educational piece arms your entire practice team to talk to clients about heartworm disease.

This team education and client communication piece arms your practice team to talk to clients about anaplasmosis.

Fight misinformation and reward curiosity with a handout that teaches clients to sort fact from fiction on the Web.

It's never easy to be the bearer of bad tidings. But you can ease the hurt clients feel with a sensitive approach. Here's what you need to know to break bad news gently.

In the wake of the devastating California wildfires that displaced more than 250,000 people and many more animals, pet owners should be more aware than ever that they need a plan for their animals during an emergency. You can help by getting your clients the information they need.

An angry client taught me to probe deeper to uncover the real reason behind his seemingly unreasonable behavior.

For clients who believe their pet won't get lost or feel a collar and tag sufficiently identify their pet, Paige Phillips, RVT, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member, suggests sharing these examples of how a microchip can save the day-and their pet's life:

Q How can we prepare clients for unexpected costs that result from problems found during dental cleanings?

A doctor looks to shorten his ring time.

Q. How can I get the most out of my practice's open house?

Some clients accept. Some nod a lot and disregard your advice. And some nod a lot, then go home to check for themselves. As frustrating as this last set can be, many pet owners who seek pet health information online are conscientious clients you want to hang onto.

An effective e-mail program gives your practice a high-tech image, says author Ralph Laurie.

Q When I discuss client education topics, I feel like clients are tuning me out. How can I make them listen?

Use this client education form to answer clients' questions about microchips.