Business

A retainer agreement should include a statement of hourly billing rates.

More than 88 percent of this year's new veterinarians graduated with educational debt averaging $88,077. Now working, they're taking home less than $44,000 a year.

Pet Medical Center of San Antonio doesn't abide by many design rules, which suits this practice crew perfectly. A creative approach helped this doctor create a comfortable, convenient hospital for clients, patients, and staff members.

Use this sample as a starting point to develop your own survey.

As the captain of your practice, it's your job to set the course and take advantage of the wind, urging the ship toward your destination. But you can't maneuver this behemoth alone. You need a crew. When they're truly onboard, your team members will have one eye on the horizon and another peeled for potential problems, and they'll help keep the practice on course.

Our contest winner transformed an exam room. And you can do it, too.

Higher percentages of gross income for any line-item expense should immediately drive management's closer inspection.

Clashing practitioners who stay together too long compromise toward a central level of mediocrity.

I'm considering building a facility. What average revenue growth can owners expect five and 10 years after building, adding onto, or remodeling a practice?

Solid business ethics can help you establish a profitable, successful practice. And your clients will see your good side, too. Here are seven principles of admirable business ethics:

Here's the best way to learn whether you're making the grade on service: Ask. Consider these issues, then visit www.vetecon.com and click on "Forms" to download the sample client survey.

Learn the potential legal ramifications of terminating an employee.

We tried for years to get you all to share your hospital makeover projects—the progress you made with a weekend of work and a bucket of paint. But to no avail.

A veterinarian I don't know that well offered me an opportunity to work for a clinic she's purchasing, promising that if we're compatible, she'll allow me to buy in. How do I formalize our agreement?

There's never enough time in your day—so make every moment in the exam room count. And remember, even small improvements in exam-room procedures can dramatically improve your whole team's efficiency.

Every member of your practice team can help increase security.

I'm considering building a facility. What average revenue growth can owners expect five and 10 years after building, adding onto, or remodeling a practice?

How are contracts for specialists different from contracts for generalists?

How do I know how much I need to save for retirement?

Reluctant to purchase high-tech equipment because you're concerned clients can't afford costly diagnostic tests? You may be right. But consider the following facts from the recent article "Putting on the Dog" from www.businessweek.com:

Is your practice losing ground compared to its past performance? If so, it's not necessarily cause for panic. Often you can get back on track by making some simple changes. To get started, dot the i's and cross the t's in these five areas:

Raising fees isn't the only way to fuel revenue growth. Use these strategies to customize your revenue plan.

The Veterinary Hospital in Eugene, Ore., sets daily production goals. When the hospital achieves the daily goal five times, they hire a massage therapist to come into the hospital and give everyone a professional pat on the back.

Progress is slow, but Dr. W. Mark Cousins expresses optimism.

"I didn't like boarding my dog in a little cage," says Dr. Henry Inglesby, owner of Suwanee Pet Suites and Animal Care Center in Suwanee, Ga. Assuming other vacationing dog owners also hated the thought of leaving their precious canines in tight quarters, he decided to replace the cramped cages.

A compensation statement outlines all the benefits of working for the practice.

An evaluation form helps you pinpoint a team member's strengths and weaknesses so you can agree on a plan for professional development.

It only takes a little extra effort to make pet owners feel special. The benefit: happy, loyal clients who appreciate your care.

You can enhance your professional career every time you step up to the lectern—provided you've mastered the all-important basics of public speaking.

Use these timesaving tips to stay on schedule and keep your entire team afloat when disruptions threaten to throw your day dangerously off course.