Mandatory spay and neuter regulations, breed bans, microchip laws, and doggie DNA testing for renters - we’re seeing a wave of new animal regulations sweep the world. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor engage in a spirited discussion on whether or not animal regulations have gone too far (or not far enough), and what veterinary professionals should do to encourage better pet care. The trio tackle the recent Fort Worth, Texas pet microchipping controversy, Delta Airlines’ ban of pit bull breed emotional support dogs, DNA testing to identify dog poop, and RETRACTABLE LEASHES! 

This week we wrestle once again with the topic of money-guilt harbored by many veterinary professionals. This time, we explore issues around homeless people with pets, standards of pet care, pet care shaming, and more. This is an excellent roundtable on a topic most veterinary professionals must confront nearly daily. 

One of the most controversial pet travel topics these days is the designation of "emotional support animal” and "service animal." This week our trio, Drs. Ernie Ward & Cyndie Courtney, along with Beckie Mossor RVT, take to the skies, trains, and restaurants as they confront the perils of  emotional support animals. What is the difference between "service animal" and "emotional support dog?" Can you really buy "fake" service dog vests on Amazon? Who’s in charge of regulating and verifying “service animals?” Why did Delta recently ban "pit-bull breed" dogs as support companions? What role do veterinary professionals play in all of this? This is a must-share episode with ANYONE in the veterinary profession.

This week, we discuss the current global wave of corporatization and consolidation of the veterinary profession. Host veterinarians  Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor review the pros and cons of working in a corporate practice, whether or not consolidation is (or ever was) inevitable, and what does this mean for the future of veterinary professionals? It's a good one...

It's summer! Yaaay! Oh, noooo! Along with sunshine, long days, and chillin' by the pool comes unexpected stress in veterinary practice. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor take a beachside/lakeside/online stroll down some of the profession's most treacherous June through September trails. Tourists, drop-in non-client emergencies, the Monday flu, and fighting for time off are tackled in this "for reals" conversation. And Dr. Ward ponders, "Where did all the summer high school and college helpers go?" This is one hot and sticky podcast...

This week, we've got a master class in entrepreneurship with Dr. Liz Bales, inventor of the Indoor Feeder (formerly the NoBowl Feeder) for cats. Dr. Bales joins Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney to discuss how she evolved from equine practice to feline (see what I did there?), how she went from good idea to an actual product, and her best advice for anyone who has a good idea. This is an AMAZING conversation that will benefit any veterinary professional in their job and career.  

Owning a veterinary practice can be a rewarding -- and challenging -- prospect. This week host veterinarians Drs. Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor are joined by New Jersey practice owner Dr. Michael Tokiwa to discuss the positives and pitfalls of practice ownership. From equity, to leadership, to vision, to staff training and interactions, this is a wide-ranging conversation that will benefit any veterinary professional, regardless of whether or not ownership is an interest or option.   

This week we're honored to interview the President-Elect of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Dr. Cheryl Good from Dearborn, Michigan. Dr. Good shares the story of how she became a veterinarian, what it was like to have three kids in a five-year span while working full-time and starting her own practice. We discuss the changes she's seen in veterinary medicine during her career, the changes at NAVC and VMX, and what she hopes to accomplish as NAVC President. This is a wide-ranging conversation that touches on so many aspects of real, daily veterinary practice life. 

British Columbia/Vancouver joined a host of other large municipalities May 8, 2018 when it banned feline declawing by veterinarians. This week we're joined by Dr. Margie Scherk, a feline veterinary specialist and one of the true pioneers and champions of the anti-declaw movement. Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk with Dr. Scherk about her story, why she's so passionate about cats, and the debates surrounding feline declawing. You'll want to play this episode again and again!   

Online and digital marketing is essential for any business to succeed in today's marketplace. This week we're joined by a digital marketing expert, InTouchVet's Bill Schroeder. Bill has been helping veterinary clinics succeed for over 20 years and shares his best advice for busy veterinary practices to optimize their social media and online marketing. Host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and Dr. Cyndie Courtney talk with Bill about how he and his wife started helping veterinarians in Chicago, what recent changes at Facebook mean for veterinary professionals, what social media and online platforms he recommends, and the technologies Bill thinks veterinarians should be looking at during the next 1 to 3 years. This is a great lesson in online marketing and strategy for any veterinary professional!    

This week host veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and veterinary technician Beckie Mossor welcome veterinary nutritionist and University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine professor, Dr. Julie Churchill. The three review the latest Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Survey results, explore the reasons behind some of the survey responses, dispel many nutritional, diet, and exercise myths, and offer pet food advice for every veterinary team member. This is an episode full of pet food facts and fictions, communication tips and tripwires, and a whole lot of fun! 

There are approximately 900-2,000 cases of animal hoarding in the U.S. each year, affecting over 250,000 animals. Dr. Jill Kirk is on the front lines of the war against animal abuse, neglect, and hoarding. Host Dr. Ernie Ward along with Dr. Cyndie Courtney and Beckie Mossor, RVT, talk with Dr. Kirk about animal hoarding, how to recognize the common signs of abuse and neglect, and steps any veterinary professional can take. This is an important conversation for any veterinary team member and animal advocate.