The Veterinary Survival Show

Mark McGaunn, CPA/PFS, CFP® and Jenni George, CVPM
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We know that running a veterinary business can sometimes feel like you're fighting your way through a jungle of financial insecurity, HR nightmares, and overall business confusion. Our goal is to give you the ideas and tools you need to not just survive in this jungle but to thrive in the veterinary industry. By combining over 50 years of knowledge and experience with differing opinions and a little humor, we will help you get the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your veterinary business. Welcome to The Veterinary Survival Show with veterinary CPA and Certified Financial Planner Mark McGaunn and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and practice owner Jenni George.

  1. Jun 25

    How to Optimize Your Veterinary Clinic for Better Profit and Team Morale

    In this episode, veterinary practice experts discuss how to identify and eliminate chaos in clinics by optimizing systems, team utilization, and scheduling. Learn practical strategies to improve efficiency, profitability, and team satisfaction. key topics Capacity without chaos in veterinary clinicsIdentifying bottlenecks and inefficienciesEffective scheduling and appointment templatesUtilizing team members to their fullest potentialManaging practice growth and expansionPricing strategies and profitability metricsTraining and onboarding new staff efficientlyImplementing SOPs and documentationUsing technology and tools for practice managementStrategies to prevent burnout and improve team moraleSound Bites "A well-oiled machine needs systems and processes""Efficiency is about team utilization and trust""Don't just add staff—optimize first"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaos in Veterinary Practices 02:28 Identifying Bottlenecks in Veterinary Operations 04:16 The Financial Impact of Chaos 07:26 Optimizing Appointment Scheduling 11:22 Utilizing Team Members Effectively 13:17 Hiring and Onboarding New Staff 19:26 Assessing Capacity and Efficiency 29:15 Pricing Strategies for Veterinary Practices 32:23 Team Utilization and Efficiency 36:03 Career Development and Employee Retention 37:55 Key Metrics for Practice Management 44:05 Expanding Services and Managing Chaos 48:42 Practical Steps to Overcome Chaos 55:37 www.LGA.CPA

    56 min

  2. Jun 24

    Mastering Practice Growth: Mid-Year Check-In

    In this episode, veterinary practice experts discuss mid-year financial check-ins, team morale, practice management software, and strategies for growth and efficiency. They share insights on tax planning, inventory management, staff engagement, and leveraging technology to improve practice performance. key topics Mid-year financial review and tax planningTeam morale and communication strategiesPractice management software transitionInventory and receivables managementCapital investments and financing optionsChapters 00:00 Mid-Year Check-In: Reflecting on Goals 04:32 Team Morale: Keeping Communication Open 12:54 Financial Strategies: Avoiding Common Pitfalls 21:30 Summer Strategies: Managing Burnout and Team Culture 25:09 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Clients 26:49 Understanding Seasonal Trends in Veterinary Medicine 28:33 Navigating Financial Conversations with Clients 30:03 The Rise of Financing Options in Veterinary Care 31:48 Making Smart Capital Decisions 33:19 The Importance of Inventory Management 36:46 Building a Strong Team Culture 38:53 Investing in Trust and Team Accountability 42:28 Future Planning for Veterinary Practices 49:46 www.LGA.CPA

    50 min

  3. Jun 22

    The Hidden Culture of High Performing Vet Practices: Secrets to Success

    Explore the hidden culture of high-performing veterinary practices, focusing on intentionality, team dynamics, and leadership. Learn practical strategies to build and sustain a positive, productive practice environment. key topics The feel and atmosphere of high-performing practicesThe importance of intentionality in culture buildingStrategies for hiring personality fit over technical skillsThe role of leadership and vulnerability in cultureFinancial indicators of a strong practice cultureSound Bites "A high performing practice feels relaxed and energized""Hire for personality, teach technical skills""Accountability is rooted in shared values and trust"Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Celebrating Culture 01:59 The Essence of High Performing Practices 06:00 Intentionality in Building Culture 09:57 Financial Insights and Culture Connection 13:02 The Importance of Team Dynamics 18:37 Defining and Measuring Culture 23:04 The Impact of Intentional Culture on Performance 28:39 The Role of a Practice Manager 30:49 Leadership Training and Team Dynamics 33:29 The Difference Between Management and Leadership 35:59 Transforming Practice Culture 37:42 Challenges in Changing Culture 45:43 Resources for Building a Better Culture 50:40 www.LGA.CPA  Resources Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Courage/dp/0399592520 The E-Myth Veterinarian by Dr. Peter Weinstein - https://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Veterinarian-Dr-Peter-Weinstein/dp/1119546794 The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon - https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Guide-Attitude-Change/dp/1118901742 Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Civility-Leadership/dp/1591848016 Traction by Gino Wickman - https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Entrepreneurs-Operations/dp/1936661837

    51 min

  4. Jun 22

    What Your CPA Isn’t Telling You What You Actually Need to Hear

    This episode dives into the financial blind spots in veterinary practices, the importance of choosing the right CPA, and strategic planning for practice success. Mark McGaunn and Jenni George share insights on optimizing practice finances, building strong advisor relationships, and long-term growth strategies. Financial blind spots in veterinary practicesChoosing the right CPA and financial advisorStrategic planning and practice valuationCost management and price increasesLong-term exit and sale strategies

    51 min

  5. Apr 17

    Culture vs Compensation: What Keeps Veterinary Practices Together?

    This episode explores the critical balance between culture and compensation in veterinary practices. Hosts Jenny and Mark share insights on how culture impacts team retention, the importance of intentional leadership, and practical strategies to improve both culture and pay structures. Key Topics Impact of culture on team retentionStrategies for building a positive practice cultureBalancing compensation and culture for staff retention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights03:32 Culture vs. Compensation in Veterinary Practices06:29 The Importance of Longevity in Veterinary Teams09:28 Compensation Structures and Their Impact12:23 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture15:05 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Talent18:12 Assessing Workplace Culture and Compensation25:19 Understanding Compensation Beyond the Paycheck26:50 Identifying Signs of Disengagement30:27 The Role of Leadership in Culture32:51 Exit Interviews: Uncovering the Truth36:35 Balancing Culture and Compensation39:23 Assessing and Improving Practice Culture43:03 The Impact of Culture on Profitability49:31 www.LGA.CPA (1).mp4

    50 min

  6. Apr 10

    When Your Pet Needs a Lawyer - Interview with Boston Dog Lawyer - Jeremy Cohen

    In this episode, Jeremy Cohen, founder of Boston Dog Lawyers, shares insights into the niche field of pet law, including dangerous dog hearings, pet custody disputes, and the evolving legal recognition of animals as family members. Discover how legal professionals and veterinarians can better collaborate to ensure fair treatment of pets and improve outcomes in pet-related legal cases. Key Topics: Pet law and legal system evolutionDangerous dog hearings and proceduresThe role of veterinarians and records in legal casesChapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:06 The Birth of Pet Law06:53 Understanding Dangerous Dog Hearings11:24 Legal Framework for Dog Ownership14:13 The Role of Veterinarians in Legal Cases17:03 Veterinary Records as Evidence22:49 The Evolving Perspective on Pet Custody27:10 Navigating the Legal Landscape of Pet Ownership28:08 Memorable Cases and Lessons Learned30:45 Veterinary Accountability and Client Communication37:52 Proactive Measures: Custody Agreements and Pet Trusts44:12 The Importance of Training and Responsible Pet Ownership52:00 www.LGA.CPA (1).mp4

    52 min

  7. Apr 3

    Handling Difficult Clients Without Losing Your Cool

    summary In this episode of the Veterinary Survival Podcast, Mark, Jenni, and Chris delve into the complexities of managing difficult clients in veterinary practice. They discuss the emotional and financial toll these clients can take on practices, the importance of setting clear boundaries, and the need for effective communication strategies. The conversation highlights the distinction between entitled clients and those who are simply going through tough times, emphasizing the necessity of compassion and understanding. Additionally, they explore the impact of client reviews, the pitfalls of discounting services, and the importance of fostering a supportive practice culture that empowers staff to handle challenging situations effectively. Takeaways Difficult clients can significantly impact the emotional and financial health of a veterinary practice.It's crucial to distinguish between entitled clients and those who are upset due to personal circumstances.Setting clear boundaries with clients is essential for maintaining a healthy practice environment.Training staff on communication and de-escalation techniques can improve client interactions.Discount policies should be managed carefully to avoid financial losses.Empowering team members to handle difficult situations can lead to a more positive workplace culture.Regular team meetings can help address communication issues and build a supportive environment.Client reviews can influence practice reputation, and responding to them is important.Practices should be selective about the clients they serve to ensure a positive working environment.Compassion and understanding are key when dealing with clients in distress. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Difficult Client Relationships06:01 De-escalation Techniques for Client Interactions11:49 Setting Boundaries and Expectations with Clients18:07 The Case for Firing Clients23:58 Compassion vs. Business: Finding the Balance29:58 Effective Communication Strategies36:47 Managing Discounts and Financial Health41:58 Handling Online Reviews and Reputation46:58 Setting Boundaries with Clients

    54 min

  8. Mar 9

    Pricing with Confidence: The Psychology of Your Fees

    In this episode of the Veterinary Survival Podcast, hosts Mark and Jenni delve into the complexities of pricing in veterinary care. They discuss the emotional challenges veterinarians face when setting prices, the impact of financial conversations on their mental well-being, and the importance of overcoming the fear of raising prices. The conversation highlights strategies for implementing price increases responsibly, the significance of long-term sustainability, and the necessity of retaining a well-compensated team. The episode concludes with actionable advice for veterinarians looking to navigate these challenges effectively. Takeaways Veterinarians often struggle with pricing due to emotional factors.The animals suffer when clients can't afford care.It's crucial to avoid assumptions about what clients can pay.Veterinarians should charge what they're worth, not just cover costs.Fear of raising prices can lead to financial decline.Regular price increases can help maintain sustainability.Team retention is linked to fair compensation and benefits.Open communication with the team is essential for pricing decisions.ProfitSolver can provide valuable insights for pricing strategies.Veterinary care quality has improved, justifying higher prices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pricing Challenges in Veterinary Care 02:46 Emotional Aspects of Veterinary Pricing 08:06 Common Fears Around Raising Prices 12:56 Understanding Value in Veterinary Services 18:48 Identifying Underpricing in Veterinary Practices 22:11 Indicators of Financial Trouble in Veterinary Practices 26:31 Investing in Veterinary Equipment 27:27 Strategic Pricing and Profitability 29:15 Understanding Value and Team Dynamics 35:29 Long-Term Sustainability in Veterinary Practices 40:08 Taking Action on Pricing Strategies

    44 min
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About

We know that running a veterinary business can sometimes feel like you're fighting your way through a jungle of financial insecurity, HR nightmares, and overall business confusion. Our goal is to give you the ideas and tools you need to not just survive in this jungle but to thrive in the veterinary industry. By combining over 50 years of knowledge and experience with differing opinions and a little humor, we will help you get the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your veterinary business. Welcome to The Veterinary Survival Show with veterinary CPA and Certified Financial Planner Mark McGaunn and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager and practice owner Jenni George.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark McGaunn, CPA/PFS, CFP® and Jenni George, CVPM
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Veterinary Survival Show
  • Show Website
    The Veterinary Survival Show