The VetPractice Playbook

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, we tackle a challenge that quietly impacts countless veterinary clinics: managers and practice owners getting pulled into technician work. While stepping in may feel helpful in the moment, it often comes at the expense of leadership, strategy, and long-term clinic growth.We discuss why so many veterinary leaders fall into this pattern, the hidden operational and financial costs it creates, and how role confusion can keep practices stuck in reactive mode. Most importantly, we walk through a practical solution: conducting a simple time audit to uncover where your energy is really going and how to start reclaiming time for true leadership responsibilities.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:13 Stop Doing Tech Work05:51 Impact on the Team07:41 The Hidden and Financial Cost10:10 What If The Work Doesn't Get Done?12:10 Importance of Role Clarity14:40 Fixing the Problem with Time Audits18:51 Outro 

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!Struggling to figure out what to post on your clinic’s social media? You’re not alone and the good news is, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to show up consistently and effectively.In this episode, we break down 4 simple, proven content ideas that any veterinary clinic can start using right away... no complicated strategy or big production required. Whether you’re a solo doctor, a growing multi-doctor practice, or somewhere in between, these ideas are designed to help you connect with pet owners, build trust, and stay top-of-mind in your community.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro03:07 Avoiding the "Post and Ghost"05:32 Negative Reviews and Comments08:31 Content Idea #1: Asking Staff Unhinged Questions13:17 Content Idea #2: The Pet's Perspective14:45 Content Idea #3: Exam Room Improv15:59 Content Idea #4: Filming Real Appointments18:25 Cameras vs Smartphones21:00 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!Are your veterinary clinic’s social media posts falling flat? You’re not alone. In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, we break down what pet owners actually want to see on your social media and why most veterinary practices are missing the mark.If you’ve ever wondered why your engagement is low, why new clients aren’t finding you, or why posting feels like a waste of time, this conversation will change how you approach content entirely. The truth is, successful veterinary social media isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting with purpose and building trust before clients ever walk through your doors.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps 00:00 Intro01:38 Social Media Struggles03:18 The Biggest Misconception in Vet Clinic Social Media06:03 Showcasing Core Values and Clinic Identity08:45 Getting Started on Social Media11:51 Coming Up With Ideas for Content15:52 Don't Bash the Pet Owners19:00 Closing Points20:25 Outro 

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, we break down the numbers that truly drive success in veterinary practice and why relying on financial guesswork can quietly hold your clinic back.From average transaction charge to compliance rates, we walk through five essential key performance indicators (KPIs) every veterinary team should be tracking consistently. These metrics aren’t just numbers on a report. They’re powerful tools that shape better decisions, improve patient care, and create a more efficient, profitable practice. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your numbers or wondered what you should be paying attention to, this episode is your starting point. Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:00 Dangers of Financial Guesswork05:47 Why Do KPI's Matter?08:53 KPI #1: Average Transaction Charge11:27 KPI #2: Transaction Count (Visits Per Day)14:36 KPI #3: Revenue Per Doctor17:26 KPI #4: Compliance Rates18:26 KPI #5: Labor Costs Percentage20:13 Common Mistakes to Avoid23:27 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, we break down the four key moments that define the veterinary client experience and how each one can make or break client trust, compliance, and long-term loyalty.From the first impression at check-in to the exam room experience, checkout and financial conversations, and post-visit follow-up, every touchpoint matters more than you think. Small gaps in communication or workflow can lead to lost clients, decreased revenue, and lower satisfaction scores.Whether you’re a veterinarian, practice owner, or veterinary team member, this episode will help you identify opportunities to improve your client journey and create a more consistent, high-quality experience.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro01:30 Why Client Experiences Matter08:12 Key Moment 1 - First Impressions13:03 Key Moment 2 - Exam Room Experience16:07 Key Moment 3 - Checkout and Finances18:49 Key Moment 4 - After the Visit26:05 Summary and Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!If your veterinary practice feels stuck, whether it’s missed charges, team tension, or constant frustration, it might not be the people… it might be the system.In this episode, we break down one of the most common (and costly) mistakes practice owners make: misdiagnosing problems. Are you dealing with a “difficult” team member, or is your system setting them up to fail? Using the powerful Gapology Framework, we walk through how to identify where breakdowns are actually happening and what to do about them.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro03:10 Identifying the Problem: People or Systems?03:57 Pitfalls of Misdiagnosis04:24 The "Gapology" Framework05:29 Practical Example of Missing Charges07:25 When Leadership is the Problem09:23 Five Questions Before Labeling Someone "Difficult"11:11 How Can You Tell If the System is the Problem?16:33 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, we break down why feedback often feels awkward, how to set clear expectations with your staff, and what separates ineffective criticism from truly impactful communication.You’ll learn practical strategies to improve your leadership skills, including the power of the 10-to-1 feedback ratio, common mistakes to avoid, and how modeling the right behavior can transform your clinic culture. Whether you're a practice owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode will help you build trust, improve team performance, and create a healthier workplace.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:30 Why Feedback is Uncomfortable03:46 Setting Feedback Expectations08:46 10-to-1 Ratio & What to Avoid10:15 Modeling Good Leadership Behavior12:45 Best Practices for Better Feedback16:03 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, we break down the real drivers behind client satisfaction in today’s veterinary landscape. From long wait times to uncomfortable cost conversations, small friction points can have a bigger impact on client loyalty than you might expect.We dive into how modern pet owners—especially the next generation—are redefining expectations around convenience, communication, and overall experience. You’ll also learn how to approach treatment plans in a way that builds trust instead of tension, and why relationship-building in the exam room still matters more than ever.If you’re looking to improve client retention, strengthen trust, and create a better overall experience in your practice, this episode will challenge assumptions and give you practical ways to rethink what your clients truly value.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro00:25 Do Clients Really Value What We Think They Value?03:45 The Cost of Making Clients Wait06:46 Handling Cost with Treatment Plans10:17 Convenience and The Next Generation of Owners12:29 Relationship Building in the Exam Room13:56 Figuring Out What Your Clients Value16:48 Outro 

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, the crew breaks down the fundamentals of inventory management in veterinary practices and why it plays a critical role in the financial health and efficiency of your clinic. From understanding inventory turnover to reducing carrying costs, we explore practical strategies that veterinarians, practice managers, and practice owners can use to make smarter purchasing and stocking decisions!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro06:25 Inventory Management Basics09:30 Determining the Turnover Time Period13:55 Minimizing Carrying Costs15:53 Having More Options17:47 Figuring Out ABC Products20:02 Overview21:33 Outro 

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming veterinary medicine, from diagnostics and workflow automation to content creation and marketing. But with innovation comes risk, cost, and big questions about control.In this episode, Richie and Jon break down what AI really means for veterinary professionals and practice owners. They explore the biggest AI trends in vet med, the consequences of ignoring this technology, and the specific areas where clinics are already adopting AI tools.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps 00:00 Intro01:45 AI Trends in Vet Med04:45 Consequences of Not Embracing AI08:15 What Areas in Vet Med Are Adopting AI12:55 Cautions of Using AI17:05 Ways to Keep Control over AI20:50 AI Content Creation for Vet Clinics24:30 Financial Costs of AI Tools31:26 Outro 

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode, Harrison sits down at WVC 2026 to dive into one of the biggest misconceptions in veterinary marketing: just posting on social media isn’t the same as having a strategy. If you’re a veterinary practice owner, manager, or marketing lead trying to get better results from your content, this one is a must-listen. Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro01:31 VetPracticePro Content Update04:40 Social Media Marketing06:33 Consistency vs. Strategy07:25 Just Posting Isn’t Marketing08:47 The Value of Educational Posts10:08 Goal Checklist For Clinic Owners11:50 Overview13:30 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!Being an exceptional veterinarian doesn’t automatically make you an effective leader... and that gap is quietly destabilizing practices everywhere.In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew unpacks a hard truth in veterinary medicine: clinical excellence without leadership skill creates fragile clinics. From the identity shift that happens when a DVM becomes a medical director (or an RVT steps into leadership), to the hidden skills no one formally teaches (feedback, delegation, emotional regulation, financial literacy, and consistency) this conversation gets honest about where strong medicine falls short.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:27 Being a Good Clinician vs. Leader 06:18 Assessing Employees After a Promotion 07:17 How Clinicians Lead in the Critical Care World11:49 What Leadership Skills Are Missing in Clinicians 17:16 When Ambiguity Hurts Practices19:15 Working with A Skilled Worker But Bad Leader25:40 Not Everyone Wants to Lead28:32 Leadership Skill Learned the Hard Way31:46 Factors That Provide Stability37:35 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down the psychology of price versus value and explain why cost objections are really requests for clarity, trust, and guidance. You’ll learn a practical, value-first framework for handling price pushback in the exam room, plus real-world scripts your team can use immediately to reframe the conversation, align care with client goals, and maintain confidence without discounting medicine.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:56 An Interesting Way To Think About Expense05:48 Being Everything to Everybody07:17 The Psychology of Value vs. Price08:20 Human-Health Care Models in Vet Med12:36 Subpar Care At Low Cost14:00 How to Respond to Clients17:54 The Four Step Process24:56 Go-To Responses31:24 Not Assuming Client’s Ability to Spend33:46 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down why overcontrol is one of the most common, and costly, leadership traps in veterinary medicine. What made you successful early on as a leader may now be the very thing limiting your growth, your team’s development, and your clinic’s long-term impact.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro04:29 The Cost of Not Delegating06:20 Examples When Leaders Don’t Let Go08:03 Becoming the CEO of an Organization10:01 Setting Guardrails13:10 Handling Mistakes16:37 Misconceptions About Delegating25:35 Consequences of Not Delegating30:10 Letting Go of the Financial Side 33:27 Roundtable Replay39:45 Overview40:46 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew dives into EBITDA; what it is, why it's important for every clinic, how to hire employees with EBITDA in mind, simple ways to save LOTS of money, and so much more.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro01:10 What is EBITDA?05:02 What Happens If The EBITDA Is Low?08:33 The Circular Argument10:14 EBITDA Isn’t Easy To Fix12:09 Importance of Communication12:53 Poor EBITDA Examples17:53 Hiring Employees with EBITDA In Mind21:10 Efficiency Leads to Productivity23:48 Simple Ways to Save Big25:40 Playbook Replay31:28 Closing Points31:58 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down one of the most important skillsets a veterinary professional can learn: leading up. Do you often think to yourself, "I know the issue in my clinic but my leadership team won't fix it."? This episode is for you!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro03:06 The Circle Community04:11 VPB Skillsets12:33 What Does Leading Up Mean?14:49 Leading by Example18:56 Failing to Lead Up20:24 Richie's Story21:13 Why Don't Some People Lead Up?27:29 Controlling the Controllables33:38 A Framework to Leading Up43:40 Roundtable Replay49:26 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down how to turn clinic weaknesses into SMART goals that actually work, what SMART goals really look like in a clinic setting, how to break goals into quarterly milestones, and so much more!If you’re a practice owner, manager, or veterinary leader trying to reduce chaos and create real progress, this episode is for you.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 – Intro03:20 – The Circle Community06:21 – Turning your weaknesses into goals07:43 – What do SMART goals look like in a vet clinic11:03 – Jon’s Business Tactic14:42 – Setting up goals for VRT15:34 – Becoming creative in your goal-making17:15 – Fearing failure18:48 – What SMART goals don’t look like19:36 – Who owns the goal24:05 – Roundtable Replay26:58 – Doing SMART goals alone29:17 – Tying goals to your core values29:56 – Delegation and scaling33:49 – Recap37:43 – Calls to Action39:11 – Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew reminisces on 2025 and dives deep into how veterinary clinics can escape survival mode through... GOAL SETTING! They discuss the difference between a survival clinic and a clinic built on purpose, how clinics confuse busyness with progress, and so much more.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join Our Free Circle Community: https://tinyurl.com/2rh95fv5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:00 2025 Reflections04:58 What Does a Reactive Clinic Look Like06:50 Looking Busy is not Always Progressing08:11 Impact of COVID on Clinics08:45 A Telltale Sign of a Reactive Clinic10:34 Goal-Oriented Clinics12:36 Measuring Your Metrics14:32 Dealing with Turnovers16:26 Questions That Intentional Clinics Might Ask17:35 Scheduling Your Priorities19:00 Working On Your Business Not In It21:42 Roundtable Replay27:55 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew discusses how veterinary professionals, and especially veterinary practices, can show appreciation in their clinic and their broader community through parties, traditions, bonuses, and more!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro02:30 Starting Paws for a Cause05:42 Keeping Things Fresh and Lively07:52 Making it a Special Time of Year for Staff10:25 Making Doing Things All Year Long11:25 Throwing Christmas Parties13:48 Creating Powerful Moments15:00 Community/Clinic Support Specialist17:20 Fun Traditions26:27 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew discusses the different processes that were implemented at All-Star Veterinary Clinic that took the practice from ordinary to extraordinary!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro01:25 Changes That Revolutionized All-Star Veterinary Clinic02:03 Restructuring the Reception Area06:26 Opening the Door For Your Clients07:31 Establishing Continuity of Care10:23 How the Teams Get Set Up12:09 Implementing Vocera Badges15:24 How The Badges Work17:05 Using Vocera Badges To Appreciate Staff18:20 The Financial Side of Using Vocera19:10 Importance of Low Wait Times21:02 The Roundtable Replay24:10 Optimizing the Workforce27:11 Recap29:33 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down a tricky listener question about change that involves family, psychological safety, resistance, and so much more!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join VetPracticePro's First Ever LIVE Workshop: https://vetpracticepro.com/vetpracticepro-live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro04:25 The Concept of Change05:35 What Are The Main Components of Change07:52 Loss Aversion Bias10:21 Autonomy and Involvement13:13 Psychological Safety19:39 Starting Small & Celebrating20:18 Jon’s Experience22:55 How To Start With Change25:23 The Training Side of Things26:58 Dealing with Resistance28:50 Listener Inquiries42:35 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook, the crew breaks down why having a clear strategy matters when asking for a raise—and how to approach the conversation with confidence. They explore the topic from both sides of the table, offering insight into what employees should consider and what clinic owners look for during these discussions.Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join VetPracticePro's First Ever LIVE Workshop: https://vetpracticepro.com/vetpracticepro-live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro01:30 How To Properly Ask For A Raise03:10 Favorite Ways of Having A Pay Raise Conversation08:00 Models for Addressing Such Conversations10:33 What Information You Should Come Prepared With13:44 The Main Reasons You’d Ask For A Raise15:34 How To Time The Conversation18:45 Things To Avoid Doing19:30 What To Do If The Employer Doesn’t Offer Annual Reviews21:37 Being Ready For A Delayed Yes22:50 How Raise Expense Affects Small Businesses27:17 Best Case Scenario29:20 Compassion Without Metrics30:05 Listener Question39:51 Outro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this episode of The VetPractice Playbook the crew (mainly Richie) breaks down the many reasons why a veterinary clinic would sell to a corporate company, the do's and don'ts of selling, horror stories of corporate transitions, and more!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join VetPracticePro's First Ever LIVE Workshop: https://vetpracticepro.com/vetpracticepro-live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticePro

Send us a question to be featured on the podcast!In this first ever episode of The VetPractice Playbook, we’re digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of a healthy, successful clinic: having the right conversations during the hiring process—on both sides of the table. From the true cost of a bad hire to the red flags that show up long before someone steps into the building, we break down the moments that make or break your team. If you want to hire smarter and avoid the mistakes that hold clinics back, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Free Resources On Our Website: https://vetpracticepro.com/Join VetPracticePro's First Ever LIVE Workshop: https://vetpracticepro.com/vetpracticepro-live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetpracticepro/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetpracticeproYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VetPracticeProTimestamps00:00 Intro00:20 Who We Are03:39 Upcoming Live Session05:12 Must-Have Conversations When Hiring14:18 the Cost Of A Bad Hire15:00 Must-Have Conversations For The Employee To Have With The Employers18:18 Red Flags During Interviews34:45 Actionable Items38:38 Outro