Top Veterinary Practice Issues that Negatively Affect Culture, Retention, and Performance

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Practice Management
• Animal Hospital Operations
• Veterinary Business Strategy

Background:

• Extensive experience in veterinary hospital consulting (70+ years, 2000+ hospitals).
• Teaching practice management to veterinary students at Washington State University and University of Georgia.
• Post-pandemic adjustments in veterinary practice approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and present the top 10 challenges currently facing veterinary practices.
• To provide common findings associated with each challenge.
• To suggest actionable changes for veterinary hospitals to address these issues.

Main Methods:

• On-site evaluations of veterinary practices as part of a 4th-year curriculum.
• Analysis of practice appointments, financial data, and owner feedback.
• Compilation of insights from over 100-page evaluation reports and debrief meetings.

Main Results:

• Identification of a consistent list of top 10 challenges in veterinary practice management.
• Detailed descriptions of common issues encountered in daily operations.
• Recommendations for practical solutions and preventative strategies.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary practices face recurring and evolving challenges that impact efficiency and profitability.
• Proactive management strategies and continuous improvement are essential for veterinary hospital success.
• Educational integration of practice management principles prepares future veterinarians to address these challenges.