At one time, it was almost anathema for veterinarians to accept profit and the art of practicing medicine as being part of the same mission. However, the two are inextricably linked. It is only possible to practice exceptional state-of-the-art veterinary medicine if there are sufficient revenues to fund continuing education, the purchase of needed equipment, and the adequate remuneration of hard-working staff. This book takes the mystery out of running a veterinary practice that is well organized, well managed, and that provides exceptional value to its clientele. Running a successful veterinary practice involves so much more than just the practice of medicine. To keep clients happy, staff motivated, and the quality of medicine practiced at an exceptional level, you need to have the right tools at your disposal. This book includes information on the management skills that are imperative in practice today!

At one time, it was almost anathema for veterinarians to accept profit and the art of practicing medicine as being part of the same mission. However, the two are inextricably linked. It is only possible to practice exceptional state-of-the-art veterinary medicine if there are sufficient revenues to fund continuing education, the purchase of needed equipment, and the adequate remuneration of hard-working staff. This book takes the mystery out of running a veterinary practice that is well organized, well managed, and that provides exceptional value to its clientele. Running a successful veterinary practice involves so much more than just the practice of medicine. To keep clients happy, staff motivated, and the quality of medicine practiced at an exceptional level, you need to have the right tools at your disposal. This book includes information on the management skills that are imperative in practice today!

While many veterinarians choose to believe that expertise in medicine necessarily precludes having business sense, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, business and medicine are both evidence-based disciplines with much in common. When a patient is sick, we used standard algorithms to determine the most likely causes, and run appropriate diagnostic tests. We do the same thing with a business that is in failing health. We might run an inventory audit instead of a radiograph, or look at financial statements rather than laboratory results, but the problem-solving approach is the same. Once a medical problem is unearthed, we prescribe appropriate treatment. The same holds for businesses. A practice may not need an antibiotic injection, but an infusion of capital might be just what the doctor orders for an outdated facility. Finally, once the problem is corrected, we periodically monitor the patient with wellness exams, assuring continued health. Businesses are no different. We continue to take their vital signs, benchmark them against established "normals" and make sure that they continue on a healthful trend. What could possibly be a more natural extension of expertise than applying the same care to practice management as patient management?

Raising an almost perfect pet does not happen by accident. And yet, it can be extremely rewarding to put in the effort to having healthy, happy, and well-adjusted pets. When people acquire pets and don't have a plan, they may not be certain about exactly what to expect, but few anticipate the problems that can result, including expenses, health care issues, bad behaviors, and the emotional investment that comes with a true commitment to another living being. So, being prepared, having realistic expectations, and raising pets with desired outcomes in mind can make the experience one to be treasured. This handbook is a complete guide to dog and cat care aimed at pet owners wishing to raise healthy, happy, unique pets and to foster a lasting, loving relationship with their four-legged friends.