Have your people call my people

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. That's because technicians give clients business cards with the hospital's phone number, reception hours, and the name of the technician assigned to their pet. Owners are encouraged to call their pet's technician during reception hours for updates on their pet's treatment and recovery. And the hospital promises the evening staff will notify owners of any significant change in their pet's condition overnight.

"We see many chronically ill patients, and we believe giving clients these cards when their pet is first admitted promotes the bond between pet owners, patients, and our technicians," says Tracey Cimmarusti, the hospital administrator at Associated Veterinary Specialists. "And the owners tell us they appreciate the gesture."