Archive for December, 2009

To Colleagues, Team Members, Associates and Friends,

It is hard to believe the holidays are here, and 2009 is coming to an end.  It is also hard to believe that Pet Partners is beginning its 8^th year.  In reflection, this has been a much better year than predicted, and though I am aware that some practices throughout the USA are having financial difficulty, for the most part veterinary medicine has lived up to its reputation as a recession-resistant professional service.  In essence, pet owners are still taking good care of their pets.

We at Pet Partners have had an extraordinary year with the addition of 5 new hospitals since this time last year.  Our new practices are transitioning to our business model with exceptional ease, and we have added new and exciting medical services to our family with these new affiliated hospitals.  Continuing education is now the strongest addition to our medical operations, and our strategic partnerships with IDEXX, Purina Veterinary Diets and Pfizer have been in constant and relentless support of this education.  We all take this moment to thank these three especially for their continued support of our medicine.

I do want to take time to acknowledge some individuals who have the hardest job in our model and they are the Regional Managers.  Dawn Michael, Louise Geiss and Richard Michaud are the direct support line for each of our practices.  These are the people who are on the road a lot, and when not on the road, they are either on the phone or on their computer reviewing metrics and data and figuring out how to better support the Managers and Medical Directors of each practice.  They have heard of 40 hour weeks but have not experienced them and they live and die with the staff of each practice.  These are dedicated individuals who I depend on and who I greatly admire.  To Dawn Louise and Rich – thanks for your dedication and keeping me headed in the right direction.  We would not be where we are without you!!

Rarely do I acknowledge in public the leadership and dedication of Lance Sprinkle or our team in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), NY.  It was recently asked of me in a meeting if Lance and I were related in any way.  The answer is YES and I will let you figure out the relationship.  As CFO and Partner of Pet Partners he has brought the strategic level of infrastructure, accounting and reporting to a place not usual in our profession.  This infrastructure and the people behind it allow Pet Partners to be positioned for significant growth in the near future.  The data we have to support our doctors and the medicine they provide their patients is top class.  To Debbie Vilmar, Julie Record, Rich Michaud, Bob Brunelle, Stephanie Havens, Christine Hayes and Michelle Holcomb, your support of the regional team in their practices does not go unnoticed and unappreciated.  And you guys are a lot of fun also!

Most of you know or have heard of my partner and Chief Medical Officer for Pet Partners, Dr. Tom Butera.  The consummate teacher, Tom has brought the level of awareness and the medical frame of reference to a new level of perfection.  Trusted and admired by all who meet him, Tom has brought the best practices of all our affiliates to the front for all to consider.  And we have affiliated practices who are learning everyday new approaches to old problems through Tom’s consistent mentoring and teaching.  His relentless pursuit of continuing education for our doctors is unprecedented.  I am proud to be your partner, Tom.

Jerry Pullins arrived at a lunch to meet me in December, 2006, at the encouragement of a mutual friend.  Jerry has spent his life as a leader in multi-site service businesses and that lunch led to a more formal relationship/partnership that has blossomed as he has learned the differences and similarities of a new multi-site model.  His wealth of experience and support of the Pet Partners business model has been stimulating, inspirational and comforting, all at the same time.  When Jerry speaks, I usually listen.

But most of all, I want to applaud those who work tirelessly in the practices dedicated to the health and welfare of the family pets presented to them every day.  They cannot be named for space reasons but they should be.  I have never before experienced the passion and desire to help that I see every day in our practices.  All of us at Pet Partners at every level take our hats off, stand at attention and applaud loudly the work you do and the great results you provide each and every pet who comes to you at a time of need.  The veterinarians who I will reach out to personally this holiday season deserve the biggest kudos.  Without each and every one of you, this just doesn’t work.  With you, it is working quite well.  Congratulations!  Your patients thank you too.

So we begin to consider a new year.  January brings the Pet Partners Leadership Conference in Baltimore, MD January 6-9.  This is the time of the year that we reload ideas and goals and get all of our Practice Managers and Medical Directors together to think creatively of how we can improve what we do at every level.  It is always an exciting meeting and this will be our largest and likely most fun.  Until after this meeting is completed I say to everyone – Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

From Ted A Sprinkle, Jr. DVM

CEO Pet Partners, LLC

Teaching Job Security: Veterinarian Visits Local School for Career Day
Even in a down economy, this field finds few problems with unemployment

Naugatuck, CT:  America’s growing shortage of veterinarians makes the threat of unemployment almost nonexistent for those who choose to enter this field–there simply are not enough veterinarians to fill available jobs. In fact, this scarcity is starting to reach crisis levels according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Although animal health is a large part of what veterinarians do for a living, they also protect humans from disease, keep food safe and protect the agricultural economy as well.

Life without veterinarians would mean more sick animals, including humans. Representatives from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital attended a career day at Naugatuck High School in hopes to encourage students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. A veterinarian from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital, Stacey Dallas, DVM, spoke with the attendees, 11th and 12th grade students, and explained the diverse and rewarding opportunities available when pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

“There’s opportunity for research and academic careers, positions within the military and public health sectors, areas like specialty medicine and private practice, and ‘animal-nurses’ more officially known as veterinary technicians,” explained Dr. Dallas. “As a veterinarian I’m in a very privileged and unique position since, unlike any other medical career, I can consult, diagnose, test, treat and perform surgery on several different species. There is never a boring day in the life of a veterinarian!”

Top Five Characteristics: What it takes to be a Veterinarian

Pet and people skills: Veterinarians should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with their owners.
A degree: Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. There are 28 colleges in 26 States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
A passion for science: Veterinary medical colleges typically require applicants to have taken classes in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, general biology, animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, vertebrate embryology, cellular biology, microbiology, zoology, and systemic physiology.
Take tests: Applicants normally need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the school.
Continue learning: Continuing education is important for advancement, and it’s necessary to become a specialist in certain areas.
Source: The United States Department of Labor

Media Inquiries
For more information, to arrange an interview, or schedule a visit to tour Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital and meet the dedicated veterinary team, please call Libby McKenna at 813.476.3894 or email Libby@FetchingCommunications.com.

About Stacey Dallas, DVM
Dr. Dallas is a 2005 graduate of the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Medicine and joined the practice in 2007. She is especially interested in internal medicine. She is a member of the New Haven County Veterinary Association and Litchfield County Veterinary Association.

About Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital
Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, primary veterinary care provider offering comprehensive medical, surgical and dental services. They provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, and a closely supervised hospitalization area. At Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital the medical staff strives to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing patients and their owners to enjoy a happy, healthy life together. For more information please call (203) 723-7187 or visit www.naugatuckvh.com.

Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center
Top National Contender for Prestigious “Practice of the Year” Award

Charlottesville, VA – Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center has been invited to participate in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited Practice of the Year Awards. The AAHA is an international association of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers that treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its stringent standards for hospitals and pet health care, and is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Participating in the Practice of the Year Awards is a prestigious honor that is only extended to veterinary practices that have received AAHA accreditation, which in itself is no easy feat. Less than 10% of AAHA’s members are accredited – a designation that requires compliance with a staggering set of 900 service and facility standards widely accepted as the hallmarks of superior patient care. And for those hospitals that hoped to rest on their laurels, think again. Accreditation has an expiration date. Hospitals must pass an on-site evaluation administered by an AAHA consultant every two years in order to maintain their standing as an accredited practice.

AAHA accreditation starts with a three-to-nine month application process that requires every member of the practice’s team participate in a review of protocols and procedures to refine and improve service offerings in five areas; quality of care, diagnostics and pharmacy, management, medical records, and facility. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and standards requirements established by the association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status.

Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s dedicated team of veterinary professionals  has participated in the hospital evaluation and accreditation program for 25 years, and has never failed to achieve accreditation status. While participation in the AAHA accreditation program requires continuing evaluation, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s consistently strong scores and longstanding history with the program means they are only evaluated every four years instead of every two.

This year their accreditation evaluation score was impressive enough to qualify them for candidacy in the AAHA Practice of the Year Awards – they received the highest evaluation score in their five-state region. They are now in the running for one of six awards to be presented during the 2010 AAHA yearly conference in Long Beach, CA. Winners will be notified by February, but won’t know what award they’ve received — first, second or third place, plus three honorable mentions — until the final announcement is made at March’s conference.

About Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center is a full-service animal hospital, committed to pet health. The facility is equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Services include hospitalization, intensive care for seriously ill patients, diagnostic testing, routine and specialized radiographic procedures, and dental services. The hospital’s equipment is state-of-the-art right down to their filing system—pets’  electronic medical records are available at the click of a mouse. For more information please call (434) 973-6146 or visit www.albemarlevet.com.

About the American Animal Hospital Association
Established in 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices throughout the U.S. and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. More than 3,000 AAHA-accredited practices pass regular reviews of AAHA’s stringent accreditation standards that cover patient care, client service and medical protocols. For pet care information or referral to an AAHA-accredited practice, visit www.healthypet.com.

Keep Kitty Safe with a Sitter or Boarding Facility You Trust
Cats should not be left home alone when family vacations

Orlando, FL – Although there’s no place like home for the holidays, cats should not be left to fend for themselves when you travel. Most people know not to leave other pets home alone, but cats, due to their reputation of being self-sufficient and independent, are oftentimes left without proper care, which can be dangerous and sometimes deadly.

Not all cats are left behind all alone. Some cat owners ask family members, neighbors or friends to sit for their cats. Others may bring their cats to a general boarding facility with dogs and cats. When cats are left alone or with a sitter, they may experience medical problems, unforeseen emergencies, or other catastrophes when they are left unsupervised. Staying in a boarding facility is better, but cats may get extremely stressed when they are around loud, barking dogs. It’s best for cats to stay at a feline-specific hospital so they get the attention they need in an environment most comfortable and suited for cats.

“At Bay Hill Cat Hospital, our clean and quiet boarding area offers condos with shelves for the comfort of our feline visitors. Our kind staff is attentive to the desires of our furry guests,” explains Dr. Diane Delmain, medical director at Bay Hill Cat Hospital, located in Orlando. “We are happy to provide medical care for kitties with special needs, such as diabetic patients, and we’re able to spot signs of illness that friends and neighbors may miss entirely.”

If cats are left at home with a sitter, the veterinarians at Bay Hill Cat Hospital offer some tips to spot serious health problems. “Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of illness, along with changes in urination patterns. Both excessive urination or the presence of blood are red flags, as is a cat that will not eat,” suggests Dr. Delmain.

Cat owners who do decide to bring their cat to a boarding facility, such as Bay Hill Cat Hospital, need to be prepared. How to prepare for your cat’s stay before you go away:

•Provide a copy of your cat’s vaccination records: All reputable boarding facilities require proof that your cat is up-to-date on his or her vaccinations. Be sure to ask what is required and schedule a visit to the veterinarian to be up-to-date.

•Always include emergency contact information: Make sure the boarding facility knows how to reach you in case of an emergency. Provide your cell phone number, or the number of the hotel you will be staying at, as well as the name and number of a trusted family friend or relative permitted to make decisions regarding your pet’s health and treatment on your behalf–just in case there’s a situation where time is of the essence and you can’t be reached.

•Book ahead: Christmas and New Year’s Day are popular travel holidays, so make sure to reserve your cat’s space well in advance, as boarding services will be in high demand. Try making your cat’s boarding arrangements at the same time you make your travel arrangements. Airlines suggest that you book a flight several months in advance for the best rate and a guaranteed space, so why not take the same approach with your cat’s stay at a boarding facility.

•Include your cat’s favorite food: Most boarding facilities don’t require owners to pack meals for their pets, but you may still want to provide enough of your cat’s normal food to last them through their stay. Ensuring your cat sticks with his or her normal diet can prevent the stomach upset that comes from abruptly changing foods. Make sure to pack a couple extra days worth, just in case, and label your cat’s meals with his or her first and last name.

•Pack your cat’s favorites toys, treats and blanket: These familiar items will remind your cat of home and can help alleviate much of the stress and separation anxiety associated with the boarding experience. Make sure to make a list of these “favorite things”, and mark larger items with your cat’s name in permanent marker, to ensure that everything is returned when it’s time to go back home.

•Don’t forget your cat’s medication: if your cat requires special medications remember to pack them, along with instructions on when and how the medicine is administered. Also, remember to include any implements that you use to get your cat to take the medicine such as a liquid medicine dropper, flavored pill pockets or a pill shooter.

For more information about Bay Hill Cat Hospital, or for more ways to keep cats safe and happy this holiday season, please contact Libby McKenna at (813) 476-3894 or Libby@FetchingCommunications.com.

About Bay Hill Cat Hospital
Bay Hill Cat Hospital is Orlando’s state-of-the-art full service medical center for cats. The state-of-the-art facility is fully-equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. The caring and professional doctors and staff are enthusiastic about providing the best possible care for feline patients. Open since 1995, this full-service feline-only hospital is to the same standard as you would expect for a human.

In House Cytology Collection and Inflammation Webinar with Dr. Rick Cowell

Cypress Creek Animal Hospital Adds New Doctor to Veterinary Staff
Visitors welcome: Pets meet new veterinarian and have pictures with Santa this Saturday

Lutz, FL – Cypress Creek Animal Hospital is proud to announce the addition of new medical director, Dr. Scott M. Dieter, to its team of veterinarians. As medical director, Dr. Dieter will manage the veterinary, technical and administrative functions of the hospital to ensure quality patient care and excellent client service.  Before pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Penn State, Dr. Dieter served his country in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman. He received his degree in 1999 from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

His veterinary interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and exotic animal medicine. His personal interests, meanwhile, are much less clinical. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife Anne Marie and their adorable Boston Terrier Fritz, and when they let him he likes to play golf or watch football – he roots for Penn State and his alma mater, LSU.

In many respects a doctor of veterinary medicine is similar to a pediatrician. Since animals cannot speak for themselves, much of the clinical history is obtained from the owner or client just as a pediatrician would obtain this same sort of information from a child’s parents. Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively are required in this profession – qualities that Dr. Dieter definitely possesses. He is passionate about pets and committed to providing quality health care for their patients, making them a much-welcomed addition to Cypress Creek’s medical staff.

Media Opportunity: All members of the media are invited to Cypress Creek Animal Hospital this Saturday, December 5, from 8am-12pm. Visitors are welcome to meet Dr. Dieter during the Annual Photos with Santa Paws event. Santa will pose with pets in exchange for unopened food, pet toys or money to benefit a local shelter. Last year, Cypress Creek donated $308.75 and 122.5 pounds of food for the homeless pets.

Please call Libby McKenna at 813-476-3894 or email Libby@FetchingCommunications.com for more information or to schedule an interview.

About Cypress Creek Animal Hospital:
Located in Lutz, Florida, Cypress Creek Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital, committed to pet health. Serving the Tampa Bay area since 1994, the state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Services include hospitalization, intensive care for seriously ill patients, diagnostic testing, routine and specialized radiographic procedures, dental services, bathing, dipping and pet boarding. For more information please call (813) 949-3045 or visit www.cypresscreekah.com.