Just Vetting with Peter Tanella, ESQ.

Peter Tanella
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This program fills the gap in veterinary education by focusing on non-clinical skills like communication, leadership, confidence building, and real-world readiness — all essential to long-term success in practice.

Episodes

  1. JAN 13

    11 | Dr. Kelly Cooper | Beyond the Exam Room: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Veterinary Medicine

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Kelly Cooper for an honest, reflective conversation about veterinary leadership, practice ownership, and what happens when independence comes faster than you’re ready for. Dr. Cooper shares her unconventional journey into ownership,  taking a leap early in her career, learning through trial and error, and discovering firsthand that clinical skill alone doesn’t prepare you for the realities of running a practice. With vulnerability and clarity, she reflects on the pressures of “doing it all,” the cost of isolation, and the pivotal moments that reshaped how she leads, supports teams, and defines success. Throughout the conversation, she explores how growth often comes not from pushing harder, but from building support, community, and systems that allow both people and practices to thrive. She reflects on: ✨ Taking an early leap into practice ownership — and the lessons that only experience can teach  ✨ Why so many veterinarians feel unprepared for leadership, despite being excellent clinicians  ✨ The hidden emotional and mental load owners carry — and why it doesn’t have to be that way  ✨ How shifting from “I have to do everything” to building trust and delegation changed everything  ✨ The importance of mentorship, peer support, and learning from others who’ve walked the same path  ✨ Recognizing burnout before it becomes breaking — and giving yourself permission to ask for help  ✨ How leadership evolves over time, from survival mode to intentional growth  ✨ Why strong teams are built on communication, clarity, and shared responsibility — not perfection 🐾 From early-career ambition to long-term sustainability, Dr. Cooper offers a grounded, deeply human perspective on what it means to lead in veterinary medicine — beyond the exam room. Whether you’re a new graduate navigating big decisions, a practice owner feeling the weight of responsibility, or a veterinarian searching for balance and longevity in the profession, this episode delivers reassurance, insight, and a reminder that you don’t have to carry it all alone. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryMedicine #IndependentPractice #WomenInVetMed #LeadershipJourney #BurnoutAwareness #BusinessOfVeterinary #PeterTanella

    40 min

  2. JAN 5

    10 | Jen Coppens | Turning Vision into Action: How Strong Processes Help Veterinary Practices Thrive

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Jen Coppens, founder of Coppens Business Strategies, to unpack what it really takes to turn big ideas into sustainable success in veterinary practice ownership. With more than 25 years of experience in business leadership — and nearly a decade working hands-on with veterinary practices — Jen shares how she found her way into the veterinary industry and why helping independent practices build strong systems, cultures, and financial clarity has become her passion. Throughout the conversation, she bridges the gap between clinical excellence and business strategy, offering practical insights that owners can actually implement. She reflects on: ✨ How transitioning from IT and corporate leadership to veterinary consulting revealed powerful parallels between people, process, and performance  ✨ Why most practice owners struggle not with vision — but with execution — and how to make change stick ✨ The importance of consistency, team buy-in, and designing processes with staff instead of imposing them ✨ How COVID, staffing shortages, and consolidation disrupted core fundamentals — and why practices must return to basics to thrive ✨ Creative, culture-driven approaches to recruiting and retaining DVMs and staff in a competitive market ✨ Breaking down financials into simple, actionable “buckets” so owners can actually understand their numbers ✨ The value of peer groups like VMG and VSG — and why community, accountability, and shared learning change everything ✨ One deceptively simple habit every owner should adopt: choosing one initiative at a time and following it through ✨ The two biggest profit leaks Jen sees in practices today — pricing and staff retention — and how to address both proactively 🐾 From forward booking and room flow to leadership mindset and financial intelligence, Jen offers grounded, experience-based guidance that cuts through overwhelm and replaces chaos with clarity. Whether you’re an independent practice owner feeling stretched thin, an associate curious about the business side of medicine, or a leader looking to strengthen culture and performance, this episode delivers practical wisdom, honesty, and encouragement — one process at a time.  #Veterinary #VeterinaryBusiness #PracticeManagement #JustVetting #PeterTanella #VetLeadership #IndependentPractice #VeterinaryConsulting #PracticeOwnership #VetMed #Leadership #BusinessOfVeterinary

    29 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    9 | Dr. Lisa Challberg | Weathering Change, Building Trust: How One Veterinarian Found Home in Small-Animal Practice

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of “Just Vetting,” host Peter Tanella, Esq. sits down with Dr. Lisa Challberg, partner at Muddy Branch Veterinary Center in Maryland, to explore her deeply personal and inspiring journey from aspiring equine veterinarian to small-animal practice owner. Dr. Challberg opens up about how a childhood love of horses shaped her early ambitions — and how a devastating riding accident led her to rethink everything she thought she wanted from her career. What followed was a decade-long evolution rooted in mentorship, trust, and a partnership built on communication, shared values, and mutual respect. She reflects on: ✨ Pivoting from equine medicine to small-animal practice after a life-changing injury — and why she’s “never regretted it for a single second”  ✨ The power of mentorship and how Dr. Victor Katz created space for her to learn, grow, and eventually step into ownership  ✨ Leaving Muddy Branch briefly… and realizing almost immediately that she had walked away from the right place  ✨ Navigating the partnership process — from valuations and financing to tough “what if” conversations and building a foundation of trust  ✨ How dividing leadership roles (finance for Dr. Katz, HR/operations for Dr. Challberg) strengthened the practice and empowered her as a new owner  ✨ Implementing AI medical-record tools, rethinking workflows, and making practice-wide changes that improved efficiency and culture  ✨ The realities of debt, risk, and courage — and why future owners shouldn’t let fear of financing hold them back  ✨ Planning for succession, the future of Muddy Branch, and what it means to carry a community-driven, privately owned practice forward in a corporate-heavy market 🐾 From a career-changing fall to finding the perfect partner, Dr. Challberg’s story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the quiet power of good leadership. Her journey reminds us that the right practice — and the right people — can change everything. Whether you’re an associate considering ownership, a veterinarian navigating career pivots, or someone who values strong partnerships and purposeful growth, this conversation offers honesty, humor, and heart. #Veterinary #SmallAnimalVeterinary #VeterinaryOwnership #JustVetting #PeterTanella #VetLife #VeterinaryLeadership #WomenInVetMed #PracticeOwnership #Mentorship #VeterinaryBusiness #CareerPivot

    38 min

  4. 11/04/2025

    8 | Dr. Amelie McAndrews | From Foal Dreams to Equine Dentistry: Building a Career — and a Life — on Her Own Terms

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of “Just Vetting,” host Peter Tanella, Esq. sits down with Dr. Amelie McAndrews, a board-certified equine dentist and owner of Garden State Equine Dentistry, to explore her remarkable journey from horse-obsessed childhood to leading a thriving mobile specialty practice in New Jersey. Dr. McAndrews shares how early passion, mentorship, and perseverance shaped her path — and how an unexpected career pivot, just one week postpartum, launched her into business ownership and a decade of professional growth. She opens up about: ✨ Discovering her calling in equine dentistry after years in general practice — and the “bright headlight moment” that changed everything  ✨ Turning a failed practice buyout into an opportunity to build her own thriving mobile business  ✨ The realities of launching a practice while raising a newborn — and why resilience (and good advisors) made all the difference  ✨ What practice ownership really means: from defining your mission and team culture to setting your own hours and saying no to the wrong clients ✨ Balancing family, board certification, and business growth while leading one of fewer than 30 board-certified equine dental practices in the U.S. ✨ Why staying small but strong can be just as fulfilling as constant expansion — and how to redefine success on your own terms 🐴 From childhood horse dreams to national recognition in a rare veterinary specialty, Dr. McAndrews’s story is one of grit, gratitude, and growth — a reminder that sometimes the best path forward begins when life forces you to pivot. Whether you’re a veterinarian considering ownership, an equine practitioner exploring specialization, or simply someone inspired by perseverance and purpose, this conversation offers insight, humor, and heart. #Veterinary #EquineDentistry #VeterinaryPractice #VeterinaryOwnership #JustVetting #PeterTanella #VeterinaryLeadership #WomenInVetMed #EquineVeterinarian #VeterinaryBusiness #Mentorship #PracticeOwnership

    28 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    7 | Dr. Cindy Trice | From Production Sets to Vet Med: Reinventing Career Paths with Purpose

    In this episode of “Just Vetting”, host Peter Tanella, Esq. sits down with Dr. Cindy Trice, relief veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Relief Rover and Kick It Pajamas, to explore her inspiring and unconventional journey through veterinary medicine and beyond. Dr. Trice shares how a mid-20s career pivot, a life-changing cancer diagnosis, and an entrepreneurial mindset led her to redefine what a veterinary career can look like. She opens up about: ✨ Discovering veterinary medicine later in life — from a mass communications degree and freelance production work to vet school at UC Davis in her 30s  ✨ How relief work became a deliberate career path, offering freedom, flexibility, and a unique “date before you marry” approach to finding the right fit  ✨ Launching Relief Rover in 2018 to connect relief vets nationwide and give them business tools — and successfully selling it five years later ✨ Balancing clinical relief work with leadership as a board member at NAVC and the Veterinary Innovation Council ✨ Founding Kick It Pajamas, a clothing company inspired by her own cancer journey, to bring comfort and dignity to women undergoing treatment ✨ Why flexibility, curiosity, and community have been her guiding principles — and why now is a uniquely exciting time for veterinarians to innovate 🌿 From San Francisco production sets to Florida clinics, national boardrooms, and entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Trice’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and reimagining professional pathways. Whether you're a veterinary student, practitioner exploring new career models, or an entrepreneur at heart, this is a conversation about embracing change, saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities, and building a fulfilling life in and beyond vet med. #veterinary #Attorney #VeterinaryPractice #Podcast #VeterinaryLaw #JustVetting #PeterTanella #ReliefWork #Entrepreneurship #VeterinaryInnovation #KickItPajamas #VeterinaryLeadership #NAVC #VetMed

    42 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    6 | Dr. Cricket Russillo | From Wildlife to World Stage: A Journey Through Equine Sports Medicine

    In this episode of “Just Vetting”, host Peter Tanella, Esq. sits down with Dr. Cricket Rossello, founder of High Performance Equine, to explore her remarkable journey from a wildlife-focused biology student to a leader in equine sports medicine and U.S. Equestrian Team veterinarian. Dr. Rossello shares how a nontraditional path, key mentors, and an openness to new opportunities shaped a dynamic career in veterinary medicine. She opens up about: ✨ Finding her calling later in life — from a pet-free childhood to discovering veterinary medicine during college ✨ How a wildlife conservation background led to a love for equine practice ✨ The pivotal role of mentorship at every stage of her career, and why it’s a critical missing piece in today’s equine industry ✨ Training under pioneers in sports medicine and discovering the “puzzle” of lameness that drives her passion ✨ Taking a leap of faith to join Fairfield Equine and growing into a 13-year career as a sports medicine practitioner ✨ Her experience as U.S. Dressage Team Veterinarian, traveling the world, supporting elite equine athletes, and navigating high-stakes international competition ✨ Why she launched High Performance Equine in 2023 — and how stepping into ownership transformed her career and family life ✨ The urgent need to rebuild mentorship pathways in equine practice to sustain the next generation of veterinarians 🌍 From Tufts to Texas, Fairfield to the international stage, Dr. Rossello’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Whether you're a veterinary student, practitioner, or equine enthusiast, this is an inspiring conversation about finding your path, embracing mentorship, and thriving in a demanding but rewarding field. #veterinary #Attorney #veterinarypractice #podcast #VeterinaryLaw #JustVetting #PeterTanella #EquineVeterinaryMedicine #SportsMedicine #Mentorship #VeterinaryCareers #VeterinaryLeadership

    36 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    5 | Maya Shaposhnik Cadena, Founder and CEO of Vetted | From Pet Parent to Founder: Empowering Veterinary Care at Home

    In this episode of "Just Vetting", host Peter Tanella, Esq. sit down with Maya Shaposhnik Cadena, the inspiring founder of Vetted, who shares her journey from being a first-time French bulldog owner to creating a platform designed to empower pet parents at home.  She opens up about:  ✨ The challenges of navigating pet health care alone  ✨ The frustrations of unreliable online advice and the need for credible solutions  ✨ Shadowing veterinary teams during COVID and seeing firsthand how many issues could be prevented with better education and proactive care  ✨ Building and pivoting her business model — from telehealth to in-clinic care inside dog daycare centers, to today’s gamified, app-based approach that combines education, rewards, and AI-powered health tools  ✨ Innovative features like Doctor Poop 🐶💩 (yes, really!) that help pet parents monitor their pets’ health from home  ✨ The importance of empowering veterinary technicians, supporting veterinarians, and reducing caregiver burnout  ✨ Lessons learned about pivoting, failure, and resilience as an entrepreneur  🚀 Today, Vetted is live as a global platform that gamifies pet care, rewards great pet parenting with Care Coins, and partners with brands to make pet health more affordable and engaging.  If you’re a pet parent, veterinarian, or just passionate about innovation in animal care, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  #veterinary #Attorney #veterinarypractice #podcast #attorney #VeterinaryLaw #JustVetting #PeterTanella #petparents #startup #pethealth

    35 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    4 | Jennifer Bauer, DVM | Practice Ownership, Community Roots & Balancing Motherhood in Veterinary Medicine

    In this inspiring episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Jennifer Bauer, the new owner of Seneca Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Bauer shares her journey from working as a kennel assistant and veterinary tech to becoming the owner of the practice she’s loved since high school. She opens up about the challenges of purchasing a practice as a recent graduate, navigating financing, and maintaining strong relationships with mentors and colleagues along the way. Together, they explore how building trust, knowing the community, and valuing every team member shaped her path to ownership — all while balancing the life-changing milestone of becoming a new mother. 🏥 How Dr. Bauer prepared for practice ownership while expecting her first child 💡 The importance of mentorship and long-term relationships in veterinary medicine 📉 Overcoming financing challenges as a young practice owner 👥 Creating a family-centered culture that values both clients and staff 🛠️ Why working with advisors who understand the veterinary world makes all the difference 👉 Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about perseverance, leadership, and balancing personal and professional milestones — and how thoughtful planning can make veterinary practice ownership achievable and rewarding. 🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more episodes of Just Vetting! #VeterinaryMedicine #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #SuccessionPlanning #PrivatePractice #VMG #VetLife #VeterinaryPodcast #PeterJanella #Podcast

    33 min

  9. 08/04/2025

    3 | Victor Katz, DVM | Partnership, Legacy & Avoiding Corporate Consolidation

    In this insightful episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with longtime veterinary practice owner Dr. Victor Katz of Muddy Branch Veterinary Center in Maryland. Dr. Katz shares the story behind his 2023 decision to sell 49% of his practice to trusted associate Dr. Lisa Chalberg after nearly three decades of solo ownership. From succession planning and avoiding corporate buyouts to navigating the emotional and practical aspects of finding the right partner, Dr. Katz offers a candid look into what it takes to transition ownership the right way. Together, they explore how this shift strengthened the clinic's leadership, culture, and legacy — and how the support of VMG and the right deal team made all the difference. 🏥 Why Dr. Katz chose a private associate over corporate consolidation  💡 How he knew Dr. Chalberg was “the one” for partnership  📉 The financial reasoning behind taking a smaller buyout  👥 How culture, loyalty, and HR strengths shaped the deal  🛠️ Why the right advisors — who understand veterinary medicine — matter 👉 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about longevity, leadership, and letting go — and how a strong partnership can take your practice to the next level. 🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more episodes of Just Vetting! #VeterinaryMedicine #JustVetting #VetLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #PrivatePractice #VMG #VetLife #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryPodcast #PeterTanella #Podcast

    36 min

  10. 07/11/2025

    2 | Lynsey Rinelli, DVM | Beyond the Clinic: Dr. Lynsey Rinelli’s Journey Through Innovation, Storytelling & Exotic Medicine

    In this inspiring episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with the dynamic Dr. Lynsey Rinelli — a Medical Director at VEG in New Jersey, a working mom, children’s author, inventor, and biographer in progress.  Dr. Rinelli shares her unique journey through veterinary emergency medicine, what drew her to exotics, and how she balances clinical leadership with creative passion projects — including her patent-pending device, “Lynsey’s Pulse Ox,” and her newly released children’s book, Goodbye for Now.  They also discuss her upcoming biography of a heroic K9 officer, reflections on her career path, and a fun rapid-fire round to close things out.  🦜 Why she loves treating exotics  💡 The story behind her medical device innovation  📖 How her daughter inspired her to write for kids  🐾 What made her write about a real-life K9 hero  🎯 Her advice for vets looking to pursue unconventional paths  👉 Tune in for a conversation full of energy, insight, and creativity — and see how one vet is redefining what’s possible in veterinary medicine.  🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more episodes of Just Vetting!  #VeterinaryMedicine #JustVetting #ExoticPets #VEG #WomenInSTEM #VetLife #Innovation #ChildrensBooks #PulseOx #Veterinarian #VeterinaryPodcast #PeterTanella #podcast

    28 min

  11. 06/10/2025

    1 | Ashley Staycheff, DVM | From Buyer to Boss: Dr. Ashley Staycheff's Ownership Journey

    What really happens when a veterinarian decides to rewrite the rules of practice ownership? In this episode of Just Vetting, we sit down with Dr. Ashley Staycheff, owner of Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, whose path to ownership was anything but ordinary. From declaring at age three that she wanted to be a vet, to adamantly swearing she’d never run her own clinic, Ashley’s journey is a testament to resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of building the right team. Your Host Peter Tanella, Chair to the National Veterinary Law Group, and Ashley dive deep into the behind-the-scenes story of her unconventional acquisition—complete with operational hiccups, legal headaches, and a seller who wanted to disappear without a trace. But what emerged on the other side is a thriving, independently owned practice built on heart, hard-earned wisdom, and a vision to change the narrative of veterinary medicine. Whether you’re an associate vet, a current owner, or someone exploring the leap into ownership, this conversation is a must-listen. Ashley’s honesty, grit, and clarity about the emotional and administrative challenges of owning a practice will inspire you to think differently about leadership, risk, and what it takes to truly own your future. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Ashley swore off ownership—and what changed her mindThe behind-the-scenes chaos of buying from an unrepresented sellerHow to lead through fear and uncertainty with the right supportWhy a strong practice manager can make or break your businessLessons from navigating a high-stakes deal with little seller transparencyHow Ashley is rewriting the veterinary ownership story, one decision at a timeIf you enjoy this episode of Just Vetting, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

    31 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

This program fills the gap in veterinary education by focusing on non-clinical skills like communication, leadership, confidence building, and real-world readiness — all essential to long-term success in practice.

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