VMP 253: Is Your Practice Missing Out With Euthanasia?

In this episode of the Veterinary Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with two incredible veterinarians, Dr. Deborah Rotman and Dr. Christie Cornelius. We discussed their groundbreaking project, Vet Spark, and how it's revolutionizing end-of-life care services in veterinary practices.

Before we dive into the episode, I want to give a special shoutout to our sponsors for this episode - Used Vet Equipment and New Vet Equipment. These platforms are a game-changer for veterinarians looking to buy or sell both used and new equipment, from cages to x-ray machines and everything in between.

Now, let's talk about our amazing guests. Dr. Rotman and Dr. Cornelius have a wealth of experience in veterinary medicine and have successfully built and sold their own practices. Their passion for improving end-of-life care for pets is truly inspiring.

During our conversation, Dr. Rotman and Dr. Cornelius emphasized the importance of mobile end-of-life care. They suggested that smaller practices in the same area could collaborate or specialize in specific areas, like dental or radiology, to better serve their clients. They also proposed the idea of having a dedicated team within a practice solely focused on end-of-life care.

We also delved into the topic of mobile euthanasia services and how veterinary practices can incorporate them into their existing client base. Our guests recommended starting by offering the service internally to current clients and then developing a marketing plan to attract new clients specifically for end-of-life services.

Now, you might be wondering about the equipment needed for mobile euthanasia services. According to Dr. Cornelius, it's actually quite simple. You don't need a fancy mobile vehicle; a regular car like a Subaru Forester would do just fine. And for larger pets, a stretcher is all you need. The key is having the necessary skills, medications, and confidence to perform euthanasia in different situations.

Dr. Rotman and Dr. Cornelius also emphasized the importance of differentiating veterinary practices and marketing their unique offerings. Understanding clients' needs and educating them about available treatments and services is crucial. They also mentioned the potential of leveraging technical staff and customer service to create a comprehensive palliative care program.

Expanding services and building networks are essential for veterinary practices. Our guests shared strategies like skill development in areas such as vena puncture and intra-renal injections for euthanasia in cats. They also suggested reaching out to other veterinary clinics in the area to introduce yourself and request to be added to their referral list.

When it comes to pricing services, Dr. Rotman and Dr. Cornelius advised against solely basing prices on competition. Instead, they recommended considering the value and costs associated with the service and establishing a pricing strategy that reflects both aspects.

If you're interested in learning more or need guidance in end-of-life care practices, start-up practices, general practices, or crematories, Dr. Rotman and Dr. Cornelius offer their consulting services through Vet Spark Consulting.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Rotman for sharing their invaluable insights. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to them at vetsparkconsulting@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for tuning in to today's episode. I hope you found it enjoyable and informative. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to bring you more valuable content in our next episode. Until then, have a fantastic day, everyone!