Owners
Capturing shark tales on film
Dr. Thomas Burns gets up close and personal with the sea's deadliest predator in his spare time.
Helping hands
A local high school student who wants to be a veterinarian asked to volunteer in my clinic after school. I could use someone to straighten up the reception area, file, and run errands. But she wants to be a doctor, not a file clerk. If she's capable, should I train her to do simple clerical tasks?
Please pass the pus!
Sometimes, as the saying goes, "'tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." Remember this when you feel the need to discuss rectal diseases with your colleagues-in a crowded public place.
Ex-FDA head pleads guilty
The former FDA commissioner fessed up on stocks.
Bumpy ride? 5 ways to make workdays feel less chaotic
Drive here, go there, do this, finish that-you're really busy today! And every day, for that matter. Try these tips to smooth the kinks from your schedule and bring sanity back to your day-without hurting the bottom line.
Let's talk
Walkie-talkies keep this practice connected. Could this gadget help your team?
Employing disabled staff members
You can't discriminate against a qualified person because of his or her disability. But you also aren't required to hire someone if he or she isn't a good fit.
Career Girls? Give me a break
Men: Don't marry a woman with a career because you'll run a higher risk of having marital problems (read: divorce).
6 ways to make Thanksgiving memorable
Show respect for your clients, your profession, your family, and yourself over the holidays-leave work at work.
Veterinarians behaving badly
Murder, animal cruelty and pointing guns --check out misbehaving animal docs.
ADA compliance
Make sure your goods and services are available to handicapped pet owners.
Don't make me defend you
"Bad things happen. Animals die. Surgeries don't go as planned," says Bonnie Lutz, JD, an associate with Klinedinst Attorneys at Law in Orange County, Calif. "But that's not why veterinarians get sued."
Kick up your heels
Dancing keeps this veterinarian on her toes.
Associate pay: adjusting for experience
Reward associates for their knowledge, education, time, and experience level.
Employee warning notice
Use this form to document verbal warnings when you're disciplining employees.
Referral information form
Avoid miscommunication and use this referral form to help improve patient care.
Communicating during a crisis
Take these three steps to make sure you can reach your team members and communicate critical news.
Receptionist position description
Position descriptions help you maintain your focus during the search for employees, communicate the responsibilities of the position to potential candidates, structure the orientation and training process, and assist in employee evaluations.
Pet obesity handout
Obesity is a growing problem in pets. Use educational handouts like this one to help your clients better understand obesity, the associated health risks, and what they can do.
Getting out in an emergency
Take the next step to show your staff members the way to safety.
Protection for blood-typing cards
"After the cards dry, we put a couple pieces of clear packing tape over the front of the card," says Jeremy Gerhard, LVT, CVT, at Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Mich.
Rhode Island curtails stray cats
To breed cats in Rhode Island, owners must obtain a breeding permit. The fee: $100 per cat per year.
A home away from work
Four years ago, my business partner Dr. Ed Farnham and I purchased the Hexagon House, a bed and breakfast in Pentwater, Mich., off Lake Michigan.
Receptionist training guidelines
Written training guidelines define the path your employees will take. Use these guidelines to develop yours.
Pay for vacation earned
If an employee quits, do I have to pay that person for his or her remaining vacation days?
Mobile compensation
How much should I compensate a mobile veterinarian who wants to perform surgeries and dentals at my clinic? She'd conduct the procedures but use my clinic's equipment, staff, and drugs for her clientele.
Team building
15 tools and tips to take your team from good to great.
Weighing in on obesity
An estimated 45 percent of pets in the United States are overweight or obese. So now's the time to tip the scale in favor of leaner, healthier pets.
BSE risk low, USDA says
Based on an analysis of seven years of BSE surveillance data, the USDA has concluded that the prevalence of the disease is less than 1 case per million adult cattle. Because of the low level of the threat, it plans to pull back on its surveillance program.
Walk the line
Should we offer walk-in appointments?
What business opportunities exist for veterinary technicians?
The importance of “pet-alized” dental care for older animals
Feeding a pet's microbiome
The rise of ticks