If you work in a veterinary practice or in the pet industry or in a business that supplies goods or services to the industry and you have something to say - why not become a 'Guest Blogger'?
The eBook contains insights from over 240 veterinary industry professionals and here’s my quick summary although I strongly recommend you read the entire eBook.
What’s it all about?
In 2023, over 240 veterinary industry participants from Australia (62%), NZ (22%) and the UK (16%), took part in a survey asking about their biggest challenges, where veterinary budgets are being spent, the daily challenges faced, and most importantly, what opportunities are available to solve these problems.
Of those 240 participants:
30% were marketing managers, administrators, clinic coordinators, veterinary nurses and technicians
25% were practice owners
24% were practice managers
21% were veterinarians
What were the biggest challenges for 2024?
Economic conditions and the cost of living
The global veterinary shortage and staff recruitment/retention
1. Making use of AI to lighten the load particularly in marketing and client communication
2. Take advantage of opportunities for growth including:
Population growth
Expansion in services being offered
New initiatives focusing on pet wellness rather than crisis care
Reducing costs through controlled measures, including inventory control, pet-health plans, etc.
3. Tech-enabled conveniences
“Over 80% of participants confirmed they are looking to make their practices more efficient by optimising their technology” including:
Telemedicine and telehealth platforms
Advanced diagnostic imaging tools
AI-driven diagnostic and treatment planning tools
4. Practice Management Systems that are comprehensive digital platforms that encompass the following:
Online appointment and management systems
Client education platforms
Stock management or inventory control
Client communication tools
What were the key areas of investment in 2024?
51% of respondents listed allocating resources to learning and development.
The fact that 51% of respondents listed this sector as one of their top three potential investment areas is not surprising. Moreover, 48% of veterinary clinics ranked spending money on “staff” in general as their top priority. This was followed by 32% selecting “equipment” and 31% “technology.”
After a career in HR working in a range of service industries and teaching at TAFE for several years, I then (somewhat accidentally) found myself in the veterinary industry and here I’ve stayed because I love the people and what they do. I created the Vetanswers Community to provide the support, resources and solutions to help our members build happy, successful, profitable businesses and careers.
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