How to attract new clients to your veterinary practice
According to the American Pet Products Association, 68% of U.S. households own a pet. Americans spend about $16 billion per year on veterinary care, and nearly $15 billion more on supplies and over-the-counter medications. With this huge potential market, how do you find new clients?
Reach out to the community
Make a name for yourself within your community by volunteering with local pet groups, rescues, or shelters. In addition to getting to know many people within the pet community, you can build goodwill among volunteers, rescuers, and adopters who will need veterinary services for their own furry family members. Create “new pet parent” welcome kits for people who adopt through the local rescues and shelters, which include branded informational sheets about vaccination schedules, well visits, and preventive care plans, branded toys, and coupons for treats or food.
Get social on various digital channels
Engage with potential clients on social media. Do you offer boarding? Try running a special on Groupon. Post grooming tips on Facebook or Pinterest. Film a short tutorial on the proper application of flea and tick medication on YouTube. Partner with local pet stores, training facilities, or groomers by offering freebies or incentives to new clients who schedule appointments.
Create or share consumer-facing content from reliable resources on your website or blog. The AVMA offers a wealth of free information under the Public Resources section of their website.
Never underestimate the value of referrals
Sometimes the best way to find new clients is through existing clients. Do you offer any incentives for referrals? You can read more about this in “Dissecting the Discount” from Veterinary Economics, which surveyed veterinarians regarding their opinions about offering discounts and incentive programs.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet owners should consider 8 things when choosing a veterinarian.
- Are the clinic's office hours compatible with your schedule?
- How do the veterinarians and staff treat you and your pet?
- Are the clinic's payment options/plans acceptable to you?
- If your pet is insured, does the clinic accept your insurance plan?
- How are after-hours emergencies handled?
- How do they handle referrals to specialists, if that's necessary?
- If you have a non-traditional pet, does the veterinarian have experience with that species of pet?
- A referral from a trusted friend or family member is helpful.
Once you’ve made the connection, how do you build the relationship and retain the client over the long-term? Read our next blog to learn more about attracting and retaining new clients.
Contact your Covetrus representative for more information at 855.724.3461.
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
http://americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-veterinarians.aspx
http://veterinarybusiness.dvm360.com/dissecting-discount?pageID=1
https://www.avma.org/public/pages/default.aspx
https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/choosing.aspx