Business

The old shelves and counters in the central pharmacy are still holding up in 2007.

Shawn McVey explains why your practice's appearance really matters.

Under new management, the hospital has gotten a progressive facelift, with a new blue color on the awning and a new sign.

Q. Although there are three emergency clinics in the area, the practice I work at always sees its clients' emergencies. This is frustrating, but the owner says that clients love it. Is this reasonable?

There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but it only takes one of these missteps to send clients packing.

A husband and wife team took a leasehold space in Simi Valley, Calif., and worked on it until they built a happy ending for Simi Valley Animal Hospital-one with satisfied clients and lots of growth.

Identity theft is an ongoing problem. What should you be watching out for?

Veterinarians who learn that a client filed for bankruptcy often wrongly assume that the practice has no options.

You can balance a career with a personal life-but you've got to embrace change. Here's the one thing you need to know about having it all.

This surprise visitor taught one girl-and future veterinarian-that sorrow and sympathy aren't just human emotions.

A tool to help your clients with housetraining.

Differences in communication styles can mean women's messages don't carry the same weight. Here's how to give statements more oomph.

You know that a comprehensive analgesic protocol is necessary for your patients. But these drugs have a noticeable side effect-a financially healthy practice.

Does your team manual look like an ancient relic? Get it up to date with the latest labor laws and team policies.

Think you're the first and only business owner to suffer a particular problem? In almost every case, someone worked through the misery before you. They might even have learned lessons that could help you.

Q. I'm concerned about my hospital's liberal employee discount benefit. Are there any guidelines I can offer the owner to keep him and the rest of the team safe from tax liability?

If all you've got is a day or two, a super-limited budget, and elbow grease, these ideas are for you.

It finally happened.

I used to be afraid of flying on commercial flights. I eventually overcame that fear, but I was still terrified of small planes. I beat that in the pilot's seat.

As pets age, their brains can slow down, too. Intervene early to give dogs and cats the best chance of staying sharp-and you'll help keep clients happy.

Local veterinary hospitals wouldn't treat a dying dog-and not because they didn't have the skills or the client wouldn't pay.

It wasn't an easy transition-half of the team quit, but profits went up.

To help our clients nail down potty training, we give them a chart. Here's how it works ...

Whenever team members from Nassau Veterinary Clinic in Nassau, N.Y., set up a booth or table at a community event, they hold a raffle so they can gather potential clients' names and addresses.

Think about your practice's identity and how you want to connect with clients before embarking on a marketing campaign.

Metairie Small Animal Hospital in New Orleans has its own in-clinic pet shop: Silver Collar Pet Boutique.

After 25 years in the U.S. market, this leader talks about the potential for pet insurance.

Each day provides an opportunity to offer some nuggets of education.

Q. Who determines veterinary team members' pay increases-the practice manager or the owner?

The details you need to update your employee manual are just a click away.