VBJ articles

September 2024

Budget is king when it comes to any building project – no more so than when the project in question happens to be a new veterinary practice. The physical and regulatory complication of these buildings means informed decisions must be made at every stage if the money isn’t to run out before the doors open…

20 mins

August 2024

Conventional pay-per-service veterinary models are struggling to keep pace with the demands of accessible and affordable healthcare. Subscription models are seen by many new practices as the solution for pet owners looking to provide comprehensive care for their pets while keeping costs in check...

4 mins

July 2024

No more important time exists in the life cycle of a veterinary practice than the first year of trading. Here, independent practice owner Helen Simmons shares her insights on how to get your practice off to a flying start…

31 mins

June 2024

Kitting out a clinic can be fraught with difficulties. Too much choice is one problem, while financing is another. However, common sense can be drawn on in acquiring what is needed at the lowest possible cost, being tax efficient and considering used equipment…

25 mins

May 2024

Veterinary practice is a service industry and while situations always occur where animal welfare trumps all, any business needs to entice and retain clients to stay afloat. This means excellent customer service must always be a key priority, so it’s vital to get it right…

28 mins

April 2024

In this VBJ Hygiene Insight, Vincent Sherard-Bornshin – chief executive of RSPCA Bury, Oldham and District – explains the benefits behind Truvox Multiwash in helping close the gaps in cleaning protocols after he invested in the system during COVID.

11 mins

There will be new challenges and opportunities for veterinary practices when a change in the law comes into force on 10 June that will mean all cats in England have to be microchipped. In this article, the author explains everything you need to know about the  process…

22 mins

March 2024

It doesn’t take much to set up a practice – just a good idea, common sense, graft, opportunity and, of course, appropriate funding. However, to last the course and become successful it takes thought and planning…

26 mins

February 2024

In the ever-evolving field of veterinary diagnostics, the traditional “this or that” approach to performing and assessing diagnostic tests in the clinic or at an external laboratory is changing. So, it is vital to ensure your practice is keeping up with the latest developments…

26 mins

As leaders, we have the privilege of supporting new graduates through their first months and years in practice. We are shaping the next generation of vets, and those first few years will undoubtedly influence their future in this profession, writes Rebecca Robinson…

26 mins

January 2024

This latest VBJ Congress Insight feature explains how your practice and your team can benefit from the association’s upcoming annual event.

15 mins

December 2023

Pet owners traditionally sought veterinary services on a pay-per-visit basis, often delaying essential care due to financial concerns. However, the subscription model has the potential to revolutionise pet health care by offering a more accessible, comprehensive, and cost-effective approach…

30 mins

November 2023

The current climate for the veterinary sector remains a busy yet challenging one. Veterinary practice … more

13 mins

October 2023

Since the COVID pandemic there has been a significant increase in the number of people looking to set up their own veterinary practice. But much needs to be considered for those thinking of taking the plunge, as Adam Bernstein discovered when he spoke to some of the experts…

31 mins

This Practice Building Insight discusses laying the foundations for successful veterinary practice with ACD Projects.

15 mins

September 2023

Many routes to practice ownership exist, so it stands to reason there’s no “one size fits all” exit strategy, either. Vicky Robinson looks at the best options in this fast-changing landscape...

25 mins

Referring patients and clients away from your practice’s care is sometimes the best solution in terms of patient and client care, as well as clinical outcome. However, it can also be a minefield, with some of the most complicated client complaints resulting from referrals…

24 mins

August 2023

Balancing the needs of all stakeholders is a crucial judgement to make before deciding to invest in new diagnostic equipment. It can be all too easy to waste a lot money on equipment that clinicians won’t use and clients won’t pay for, as Nacho Mérida Isla explains…

26 mins

July 2023

It may be a risky gambit, but starting a new business from scratch and growing it can be very rewarding. Of course, nothing in life that’s worthwhile is easy, and setting up a practice is no different – but with thought and planning, it’s perfectly possible…

21 mins

June 2023

From 10 June 2024, new rules in England mean owned cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks old. Tammie O’Leary reviews the new legislation and looks at how veterinary practices can benefit from this animal welfare initiative…