Polarized Pet Parents! Are Veterinary Clinics the New Fight Clubs?

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: Some pet parents are combining current conspiracy theories with internet medical misinformation and forming personal beliefs that are turning our veterinary exam rooms into “Debate Night” or “Fight Clubs!” Are we at risk of losing our ability to have civil discourse with clients and compromise? This week is all about the polarization of pet parents and their impacts on veterinary practice. This week, we’re not pulling any punches! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin this episode by discussing a recent controversy over allowing pets, particularly dogs, into some eating establishments. This controversy over allowing pets in restaurants spilled over into a large retirement community, and, as Dr. Ward says, “The real action was in the comments!” But dining with dogs isn’t what this week’s podcast is about... Our hosts discuss how polarized the general public and pet parents have become over the past couple of years on pet-related issues from restaurants, travel, vaccines, and preventive care (we’re looking at you, heartworm and flea/tick preventives!). It seems more clients are looking for a debate or argument with veterinary professionals than ever before. And when asked about their stance on these hot topics, some of these disgruntled pet parents call in a social media “hate raid” on your clinic! What’s a veterinary clinic to do? Viewfinders, this is another hard-hitting, wide-ranging conversation about an emerging challenge in veterinary practice. As Beckie always says, “NOW is the time to get ahead of it!” Are you experiencing more heated conversations in your exam rooms? Do you think you’re seeing more extreme positions and opinions on many veterinary care topics? How are you handling this challenging situations?