Running a successful veterinary practice goes far beyond just medical expertise. It all comes down to building a friendly and inviting atmosphere that puts both pets and owners at ease and makes them feel well taken care of.
Prioritizing outstanding service and providing for your patients will make you stand out from your competitors and allow you to build strong relationships. Here are four unique touches that will improve your practice and leave a lasting impression on your clients and their furry family members.
Pet-Friendly Waiting Area and Outdoor Space
Visiting the doctor is never a pleasant experience – for humans or animals! You can make things a little more comfortable by making your waiting area a fun and positive space.
Allow pets to unwind with cozy bedding, water bowls, and toys for them to explore while they wait for their appointments. Having an outdoor space, if at all possible, will be an excellent addition for pets (and their owners) to get some fresh air and explore the grass. Offering treats, toys, and accessories for sale in your waiting and pharmacy area is another great idea, and you can elevate the experience with themed pharmacy bags and a thank-you note.
Personalized Pet-Care Plans
Every animal is different, and this means that so are their medical requirements too! Offering personalized care plans for each pet can have a big impact on how owners feel about their entire experience at your practice.
Spend time getting to know your patients, their lifestyles, medical history, and any particular worries the owner may have about them. Use all the information you can learn to create a thorough care plan that covers immunizations, diet, exercise, and any ongoing medical treatments, in addition to preventive measures. This individualized approach will show that you care about each pet’s individual needs and that you’re committed to their long-term health and well-being.
Online Appointment Scheduling and Telemedicine
For certain issues, coming to a physical appointment might not be necessary, but very few vet practices offer online appointments or even online bookings!
Stand out from the crowd by providing modern telemedicine services and setting up an online appointment scheduling system to make your practice more accessible and convenient for your clients. Use your company website or an app to provide quick and easy access for owners to book appointments either in-person or online when it’s not a serious emergency. This will not only make your clients lives easier, but save your practice on time and admin as well.
Community Engagement and Education
Finally, make your practice a part of your local community and build stronger relationships with local pets and their owners. You can host events and workshops, training sessions and adoption drives, as just a few examples.
You can use these as opportunities to spread awareness and information about animal wellness and ownership, pet safety, animal abuse, medical conditions, and other important causes. Send out newsletters to keep your community up to date and provide useful information that will help them be better pet owners and, further, build trust in your practice.
