Just because you’re working in the trenches every day, doesn’t mean you can see all the dirt. Here’s an attempt to call respectful attention to what holds managers back as leaders and, sometimes, as people.

In December 2021, the Consumer Price Index, a benchmark for inflation, rose to 7%, a height not seen such 1982. The steady rise of consumer prices has both the Federal Reserve and financial analysts concerned that inflation will remain through the 1st quarter of 2022. Here are some considerations for managing your veterinary business during this current inflationary cycle…and what may come after that.

2020-21 saw tensions rise as curbside care, staff shortages, grumpy clients, and record caseload pushed teams to the brink. Those practice teams that didn’t boil over put a lid on bad behavior, inefficient workflow, and unproductive communication. Here’s more on what they did.

Demand for veterinary service is up and supply is down. Time to raise prices? Probably, but let’s think this through.

High caseload, staff shortages, and ongoing pandemic protocols are pushing veterinary teams over the edge. To slow things down, managers are raising prices on same day appointments, new clients, and urgent care. It’s a bad idea.

Results from a national survey conducted by VitusVet show that team stress levels remain high, that team members don’t believe things are going to get better any time soon, and that 25% of all vets and vet techs plan on leaving their current jobs in the next 3 to 5 years.

Consumer habits, technology, and pet ownership have converged to give small veterinary practices a considerable competitive edge.2