Veterinary Practice Reopening Guidelines Post COVID-19

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted veterinary practices throughout the country, and it can be daunting to think about how to move forward. Understanding the concerns of your clients and staff can help you be better prepared to get back to business post COVID-19, no matter how different that may look now. By taking steps to protect the clients visiting your office, you can help make this transition a little easier.

Every veterinary practice is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reopening your practice. We have designed some guidelines to help you make this delicate transition back to normal business operations. Take these steps to help communicate with your clients that you are prioritizing their safety during this time and that it is safe for them to return to your office.

 

 

Understand the Concerns of Your Clients

Many veterinary clients may still feel uncomfortable physically being present in an office. Instead of only encouraging in-person appointments, offer clients the option of a virtual consultation for their pets. While you may not be able to be in the room with the pet, it can be a simple and risk-free way to answer any questions your clients may have without them needing to leave the comfort of their home. You may also consider offering curbside drop off for your clients, limiting the exposure to yourself, your staff, and the client. Both options can improve client satisfaction with your services because it lets them know that you are prioritizing their comfort and safety. It can also ensure that they come back when they do feel more comfortable bringing their pet in for a visit.

Provide Education

Many pet parents have received conflicting information about the virus and its impact on pets, which may make them hesitant to bring their pet in for a visit. Be sure to share the latest information about pet exposure to COVID-19 and its transmission on your website, social media and via email.

You should also continue to update your veterinary website and social media platforms with educational topics and wellness information so your pet owners can keep their pets healthy in between visits. Your clients will look to you, and these platforms, to guide their pet’s care during this time.

Clear Communication is Key

If you weren’t already prioritizing social media, it is time to start. Communicate with new and existing clients that you are taking every necessary measure to follow the current CDC guidelines. If you are consistently cleaning your facilities, wearing proper protective gear, and minimizing unnecessary client contact, be sure to communicate this to your clients. Social media is the perfect tool to help you reach your clients directly.

Consider posting photos or videos of pet patients who have already returned to the office for treatment as this will communicate to hesitant clients that it is safe to bring their pet to your office. If you are offering curbside drop off for pets, consider video calling the client so they can be a part of the appointment from their car.

If your practice is not currently using social media to its full potential, contact VetNetwork today to get started.

To open back up in full capacity, it is going to take some real effort and attention to detail on your part. A successful transition will depend on how clearly you communicate with clients and what your messaging consists of. With some time and understanding, you can help your clients feel more at ease when it comes to maintaining their pet’s scheduled appointments.

Continue Marketing

Many veterinary practices have lowered or paused their marketing efforts during the pandemic, which provides your practice with the perfect opportunity to advertise at an affordable rate. Within your ads, you can include new sanitary practices and introduce yourself to a larger audience.

Expanding your social media marketing and Google Ad spend during this time will allow you to reach more potential clients for the lowest price in years, as the cost of online advertising is currently at a low point.

Additionally, keeping your veterinary website at the top of Google is of the utmost importance at this time. As clients begin to feel more comfortable venturing out into the world, many may be in need of a new veterinarian and will look to the internet to help them find one.

About VetNetwork

VetNetwork is a full-service veterinary marketing company dedicated exclusively to helping veterinarians grow their hospitals and increase revenue. By utilizing the skill of our creative, dedicated team of veterinary marketing professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to provide you with custom websites, brochures, logos, and other products that strengthen your reputation as a trusted, expert source for veterinary care in your community. Our services keep you connected to local pet owners and drive new clients into your hospital.

Since 2002, we’ve based our business on one simple goal: passionately providing veterinary hospitals with a reliable, trusted marketing partner. In everything we do, the VetNetwork team seeks to dedicate ourselves to building long-term relationships that help veterinarians like you achieve your business goals.