Editor’s note: This article discusses domestic violence. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit 

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

 found that innovative partnerships involving the private sector, veterinarians, and community volunteers could benefit human and animal survivors of domestic violence significantly. The study also noted that although other studies demonstrated the links between animal abuse and domestic violence, most domestic violence shelters do not allow pets at their facility with the owner.

 Of all domestic violence shelters in the United States, only 17% have on-site pet programs.

A survey conducted by the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 97% of participants report that keeping their pet safe is an important factor when they are looking for shelter, and half of them would not consider moving to a shelter if they could not bring their pet.

“A significant percentage of survivors reported that concern for their pets’ welfare delayed their attempts to escape their abuser, keeping both human and animal survivors in continued danger,” investigators noted in the study.

 “In many reports, children were also witnesses and/or survivors, which is in turn linked to a higher risk of perpetrating animal cruelty themselves.”

From May 1, 2021, to June 1, 2024, the study documented and evaluated a novel partnership model of safekeeping programs for pets whose owners are survivors of domestic violence. Hill’s Pet Nutrition partnered with the YWCA Northeast Kansas’ Center for Safety and Empowerment in Topeka, Kansas, to create a temporary housing program that could provide survivors with short-notice, full-service care for their pets.

The program created procedures for identification, medical and behavioral needs, intake, and shelters of pets whose owners are survivors of domestic violence, and worked with a volunteer veterinary clinic. The program then evaluated pets and found these animals' homes with foster families in the area.

Nineteen animals—13 dogs and 6 cats—belonging to 13 owners were referred to the program. Researchers placed 7 dogs and 1 cat in foster housing and 1 was admitted to a hospital for medical concerns. Five of the pets in the study were returned to their owners after a stay of about 5 and a half weeks and 2 animals were rehomed. The investigators indicated they hope the findings will help provide veterinary professionals with the resources they need to understand the challenges they could encounter, and how to assist pets and owners.

"At Hill's Pet Nutrition, we see this initiative as an example of how we live our purpose of creating a healthier and happier future for pets and the people who care about them,” said Karen Shenoy, DVM, US chief veterinary officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

 “Knowing how prevalent this issue is, including in our own community, we felt a responsibility to help survivors and their pets stay together, while achieving safety. It's our hope that this program can serve as a model for similar programs to be established nationwide. Unfortunately, there's much work yet to be done in this space.”

There are multiple resources and companies out there working to help provide support, guidance, and veterinary care to pets and people in need. Frank R Ascione published the first comprehensive guide to help shelters provide care for pets in 2000. However, the guide, which is still a resource used today, has not been updated since its original publication.

 Other resources include the PetSafe Program at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana, the Crosstrails program at Crossroads Safehouse in Colorado, and the Animal Safehouse Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in California.

To increase the amount of pet friend shelters in the United States, RedRover and Greater Charities are working together through the 25 by 2025 campaign. The campaign was launched in 2023 and works to increase the number of pet-friendly shelters in the United States to 25% by 2025.

Pet care could help domestic violence survivors seek aid faster, new study finds. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 8, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/pet-care-could-help-domestic-violence-survivors-seek-aid-faster-new-study-finds

Domestic Violence & Pets. 25 by 2025. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://25by2025.org/domestic-violence-pets/

Ascione F. Safe Havens for Pets: Guidelines for Programs Sheltering Pets for Women Who Are Battered. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://lucysproject.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Safe-Havens-for-Pets-Frank-R-Ascione.pdf

McCafferty C. 25 by 2025 Campaign kicks off. dvm360. Published August 9, 2023. Accessed March 8, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/25-by-2025-campaign-kicks-off

Articles

Veterinary professionals are likely to encounter pets and owners affected by domestic violence at their clinic

Veterinary care aids domestic violence survivors in seeking help faster

Labeling regulations that would help provide animal drug sponsors with predictable requirements for the content and format of prescription and over-the-counter new animal drugs, as well as drugs used in animal feed, were proposed today by the FDA. The agency aims to provide consistent presentation of information for safe and effective use of animals drugs through these proposed regulations. The regulation would help sponsors more efficiently prepare labeling for review, while also benefiting veterinarians, animal owners, and animal producers.

Multiple components make up a label for new prescription animal drugs including package inserts, secondary container labeling, shipping information, multiple unit carton labeling or display carton labeling, according to the FDA. Currently, a label’s format and the order the information appears are not regulated. Based on feedback compiled over the past 60 years, officials with the FDA have determined that drug sponsors could benefit from more detailed requirements, which would better allow them to prepare adequate labeling.

“The lack of direction regarding format and content for each component of labeling has resulted in confusion for sponsors as they prepare labeling for FDA’s review and sometimes results in poor quality labeling submissions. Poor quality labeling submissions increase the time needed by sponsors to revise and resubmit adequate labeling, and they increase the time needed by FDA to review and approve labeling, and consequently, the application,” agency officials wrote in the unpublished Proposed Rule filed today.

Although the FDA has long followed certain review practices for animal drug labeling, they have not been organized in regulation. The Proposed Rule aims to create a comprehensive set of regulations that establish requirements for content and format of the labeling for new animal drugs including approved and conditionally approved products, according to the agency.

The FDA is also proposing to amend or remove certain current regulations to ensure consistency with the proposed new regulations. The action would place all labeling requirements for content and format of approved or conditionally approved new animal drugs in a single location in the Code of Federal Regulations. Under the proposed regulations, existing labeling-related guidance for approved and/or conditionally approved new animal drugs would be amended or removed as appropriate for compliance.

If finalized, future new animal drug applications would need to comply with the regulations. Sponsors of previously approved new animal drugs would need to comply with these proposed regulations on a staggered schedule, over the course of 6 years, according to a schedule based on application number.

The FDA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule for 90 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. The public should submit either electronic or written comments on the proposed rule by June 10, 2024, for consideration by the agency before it begins work on the final version.

Comments can be submitted electronically through the 

, or in writing to Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA-2023-N-5160 for “Labeling Requirements for Approved or Conditionally Approved New Animal Drugs.”

FDA proposes new regulations for animal drug labeling. News release. FDA. March 8, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-proposes-new-regulations-animal-drug-labeling?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Califf RM. Proposed rule: labeling requirements for approved or conditionally approved new animal drugs. FDA and US Department of Health and Human Services. March 1, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2024. 

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-04840.pdf

The Proposed Rule aims to improve content submission and format consistency 

New labeling regulations proposed by FDA for animal drugs 

In the dynamic world of veterinary medicine, empowerment is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental principle driving positive change. From fostering inclusive environments within veterinary teams to championing businesses owned by women in the industry, companies like Empowering Veterinary Teams (EVT) are among those at the forefront of this transformative movement.

EVT is creating positive changes within the veterinary industry, focusing on growth and development, utilizing all team members’ skills, and establishing an inclusive culture to produce high-functioning teams. Founded on the belief that empowered teams lead to exceptional patient care, EVT is meeting veterinary professionals where they are with what they need worldwide.

EVT’s all-inclusive growth and development packages cover everything from how your team learns and communicates to what each role should be responsible for; these tools empower team members to excel and contribute to the success of their practices. These offerings are multimodal and designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of veterinary teams. EVT’s goal is to ensure all team members contribute at their highest ability and potential to combat burnout.

People are the heart of EVT’s mission, and they believe that no one is “just” anything. EVT knows that most empowerment comes from within, and provides the resources, support, and guidance to inspire teams the company works with. With veterinary medicine being a historically hierarchical industry, EVT believes that highlighting the strengths of the support team starts to break down the hierarchy and allows all team members to be heard.

Advocacy and the fight to improve inclusion of underrepresented communities in veterinary medicine is fundamental to improving team culture, retention, and the profession. EVT advocates for the well-being and advancement of all veterinary professionals. EVT champions full utilization of the support teams, including veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service representatives, to improve overall team efficiency and culture. By amplifying diverse voices and championing inclusivity, EVT aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment within the veterinary industry.

The impact of EVT and businesses owned by women in veterinary medicine is undeniable. Together, these entities are driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and empowering veterinary professionals to reach their full potential.

Businesses owned by women, such as EVT, often collaborate on various initiatives, leveraging their respective strengths to enact positive change. Whether they involve hosting joint events, codeveloping programs, or advocating for policy changes, these partnerships amplify their impact and benefit the entire veterinary community.

BlackDVM Network: (Tierra Price, DVM, MPH)

First Opinion Veterinary Ultrasound: (Camilla Edwards, DVM, CERTAVP, MRCVS)

: (Dani McVety-Leinen, DVM; and Mary Gardner, DVM)

Pawsibilities: (Valerie Marcano, DVM, PhD, DACPV)

Vet Empowered: (Katie Ford, BVSC, CERTAVP[SAM], PGCERT , PRODIP [CBT], MRCVS, MCMA; and Claire Grigson, BVM&sS, MRCVS, AACP)

Mentorship is a powerful tool for professional development, and EVT and other businesses owned by women are committed to nurturing the next generation of veterinary leaders. Through mentorship programs such as those offered by MentorVet, seasoned professionals provide education, guidance, support, and encouragement to aspiring veterinarians and entrepreneurs, clearing a path for future success.

By advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, EVT and businesses owned by women, such as blendVET and Pawsibilities Vet Med, empower veterinary professionals from all backgrounds to thrive. Through combined efforts, these companies challenge systemic barriers, dismantle stereotypes, and create a more equitable and supportive environment for all members of the veterinary community.

With a keen focus on innovation, compassion, and community engagement, businesses run by women are driving positive change in animal health care.

Veterinary businesses owned by women are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging technology and cutting-edge practices to improve patient care. From mobile clinics to telemedicine platforms, these entrepreneurs are reimagining traditional models of veterinary care and making them more accessible and convenient for pet owners. In the United Kingdom, VetCT brought radiology to the world of telemedicine, dramatically improving access to world-class radiologists.

Compassion is a cornerstone of veterinary medicine, and businesses owned by women exemplify this ethos. With a deep understanding of the bond between humans and animals, these businesses prioritize compassionate care, ensuring that every patient receives the attention and support they deserve. For example, Lap of Love has changed the approach to end-of-life care by focusing on improving quality of life of for all pets and the families that care for them.

Veterinary businesses owned by women play a crucial role in their communities, not only as health care providers but also as advocates for animal welfare. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, these businesses make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. For example, Pawsibilities created a pipeline that supports members of underrepresented communities in developing careers in veterinary medicine.

Through companies like EVT and the rise of businesses owned by women, the veterinary community is embracing innovation, compassion, and collaboration. As we continue to champion inclusivity, advocate for change, and empower one another, we pave the way for a more vibrant, resilient, and compassionate future for animals and the humans who care for them.

, is the chief visionary officer of Empowering Veterinary Teams (EVT), where she oversees the content development, clinical skills training, and overall vision of the company. She cofounded EVT to provide training programs, materials & coaching/learning opportunities for veterinary practices, as well as training directives for veterinary industry service providers. EVT consists of veterinary professionals, industry leaders & coaches. Mages graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in marine biology, attained an AS in veterinary technology from Manor College and added CVT to her credentials.

The rise of female practice owners is reshaping the landscape of veterinary medicine

Empowering veterinary teams and businesses owned by women

Happy International Women's Day! Today and all month long, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in veterinary medicine, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to animal health and welfare. From pioneering research to compassionate care, women in the field continue to inspire and break barriers, shaping the future of veterinary medicine with their dedication and expertise.

To honor the incredible women in this profession, we put together 3 articles that offer advice for women to thrive.

At last year's Fetch dvm360 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, several women in the veterinary field sat down in a 

 to  discuss what it means to be a woman in the veterinary medicine profession and shared their personal experiences in this career.

An article by Pamelar Hale, DVM, MBA, explores why it's important to have 

From the 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention, a session by Laila Proença, DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM, CEO and founder of VetAhead, examined the 

 anyone who identifies as a woman faces in veterinary medicine.

Use today as a reminder to appreciate the hard work and dedication women do in, not just veterinary medicine, but every area of society. Women's History Month celebrates all individuals who identify as women. And keep checking dvm360.com for more articles and videos by women and featuring women. 

Highlighting 3 articles on women in veterinary medicine

3 must-reads for International Women's Day

What is the most important factor in making a business decision: achieving profits or having a purpose? Despite what may seem like an easy choice (profits), it is becoming increasingly difficult to say that it is the only factor. For example, consider whether your practice should provide free or discounted veter­inary care to service animals. This offers societal benefits, but will it eat away at profits? Is it worthwhile to the business, or does it cause problems with workflow productivity?

Businesses have to decide whether to prioritize profits or purpose. The traditional view has long been that the primary goal of any business is to maximize profits. Although financial viability is undeniably critical for the survival and growth of the business, the paradigm is shifting toward a more nuanced approach—one that acknowledges the importance of purpose beyond the bottom line.

Profit-driven decision-making focuses on earning revenue that exceeds the costs of operation and other business activi­ties, which results in a positive financial outcome. On the other hand, purpose-driven decision-making involves considering the broader impact of business activities on society, the environ­ment, and all stakeholders involved. Lest you think it has to be one or the other, recognize that purpose and profits are not mutually exclusive; rather, they can complement each other.

For many, the proverbial chicken or egg question started with their career choice. Their sense of purpose to improve the health and welfare of animals spurred them to seek education, certifications, and licenses to honor their purpose while working a job or owning a business. Profits or return on investment served as life’s reality check. Did the sense of purpose die under the demand for profit? Can a veterinary practice include purpose-driven activities without harming profits?

To answer that question, the practice owner and team must clearly understand how to balance profits and purpose. The first step is to assess the practice’s business operations because, let’s face it, if it isn’t profitable, it won’t be able to implement programs for the benefit of others, let alone provide patient care or take care of the team.

Before acting on a purpose-driven initiative, ensure business operations are in order by examining 4 key areas, as follows:

Is the team efficient in performing daily tasks? How do you know? One metric to monitor efficiency is the total team hours worked per transaction. An efficient level is 1.33 total hours (including doctors and support team) per transaction.

 Identify where the team can make improvements in performing daily tasks.

One of the most significant improvements that will help with efficiency is ensuring everyone works at the top of their license. Additionally, continual on-the-job training is critical to creating and maintaining a high-performance team. It is not uncommon to see a doctor working 36 to 38 hours a week with a well-trained, highly leveraged team produce $1.5 million a year: Efficiency matters.

Having a pricing strategy that considers costs, client value, competitors' prices, and value proposition is key. Resources include the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association's Value- Based Strategic Pricing Tools and Resources

from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA),

 which breaks down fee pricing data. Taking it to another level, AAHA Benchmarking+ is a fee reference dashboard that allows a practice to compare prices with live industry averages.

Besides dollars and cents, consider practical and ethical factors. The practical requires the practice to assess if the amount charged for a product or service covers costs (eg, product, equipment, training, and time involved). Ethical considerations are less straightforward: Are the owners and support team comfortable with the fees, and are they fair to the client and the business? Sometimes the ethical aspect can thwart a pricing strategy when there is a void in information communication or a perception of unfairness in the practice culture.

Use technology that helps your team provide excellent patient care and exceptional client service. Have a strategy, know the goals, and shop around. One technology type earning rave reviews is dictation/scribing apps. They save time in the exam room (allowing the doctor to focus on patient care instead of typing into a computer) and relieve the problem of after-hours medical record entries (a problem that can easily cause doctor stress and burnout, leading to turnover). Another emerging artificial intelligence tool is a virtual assistant to support the front office team. Other technologies allow for the creation of a remote/virtual team that works with the onsite team to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Of course, any new technology comes at a price, and it is important to balance the monthly cost of the technology versus the cost of not enabling a team member to perform at the top of their license, hiring another employee, or losing a valuable team member. Technology does not necessarily mean replacing patient care and client service.

A veterinary practice’s 2 most significant expenses, wages and inventory, should be monitored. According to the 2023 Veterinary Industry Benchmark Report by iVET360, in 2022, the total labor expense was 39.6% of total revenue, and the cost of goods was 24.1%.

 For any practice manager, knowing where the business stands in relation to industry benchmarks is a key starting point for implementing improvements.

Additional inventory metrics include the percentages of total revenue for specific profit centers and income-to-expense ratios. Using income-to-expense ratios can help management identify strengths and weaknesses in pricing strategy and purchasing. To improve labor metrics, look at efficiency metrics and explore the use of technology—both can positively impact labor metrics. Although raising prices may make the labor percentage and inventory metrics appear better, there is a point where clients become sensitive to price.

Now that the financial side has been assessed and firmed up, consider purpose-driven initiatives. Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin, offers some advice on this issue. He said in a 2012 interview with NPR’s Marketplace, “I think if the people who work for a business are proud of the business they work for, they’ll work that much harder, and therefore, I think turning your business into a real force for good is good business sense as well.”

What can a veterinary practice do to encourage the team to be proud of the business they work for? Is it enough to do good medicine, or are there other things that promote a sense of purpose for the greater good of others or the community? Determining a business’s purpose involves a thoughtful and intro­spective process that considers the organization’s values and vision. A well-de­fined purpose can contribute to the practice’s long-term success and positive impact on the team and society.

Can being purpose-driven benefit the business? According to Deloitte, consumers make decisions based on how a company or brand treats their employees and the environment and how a company supports the local commu­nity.

 Creating a workplace that instills a sense of purpose in the team ultimately leads to increased morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. It can also increase client loyalty and improve the practice’s reputation in the community.

Balancing purpose and profitability requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to ensure that the purpose-driven program enhances the overall sustainability and success of the business. To succeed, a purpose-driven program should align with the company’s overall strategic goals, avoid negatively affecting workplace efficiency, comply with laws and regulations, and be monitored to ensure its success and impact on the business.

If systems are in place to support the success of the business, then purpose-driven programs can also benefit from those systems, and finding balance will be easier. Make purpose a pillar of your veterinary business and enjoy the rewards of balancing profits and purpose.

About the author: Louise Dunn is the owner of Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a former practice owner. She has taught practice management workshops at 10 veterinary schools and publishes and speaks nationally. She is a founding member of VetPartners and a member of other professional organizations.

What is thoughtput time? (with benefits and formula). Indeed Career Guide. February 3, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2024. 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-throughput-time

Value-based strategic pricing tools and resources. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Accessed February 13, 2024. 

https://www.vhma.org/resources/value-basedstrategicpricing

. American Animal Hospital Association Press; 2021. 

https://test.aaha.org/aaha-publications/aaha-press/

AAHA benchmarking: veterinary metrics that make sense. American Animal Hospital Association. September 13, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2024. https://www.aaha.org/about-aaha/media-room/press-release-list/american-animal-hospital-association-and-petabyte-technology-unveil-aaha-benchmarking/

2023 Veterinary Industry Benchmark Report

https://ivet360.com/vibr/?utm_source=reportdownload&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reports#download

Hobson J. Sir Richard Branson: the full interview. Marketplace. April 27, 2012. Accessed February 12, 2024. https://www.marketplace.org/2012/04/27/sir-richard-branson-full-interview/

O’Brien D, Main A, Kounkel S, Stephan AR. Purpose is everything. Deloitte Insights. October 15, 2019. Accessed February 9, 2024. 

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/marketing-and-sales-operations/global-marketing-trends/2020/purpose-driven-companies.html

Use technology to become more efficient while having a positive impact on the community

Striking a balance between profit and purpose

Journey For Teams is an online video learning program managed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to offer veterinary professionals courses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Each training video is 15-minutes long and includes a discussion guide to allow veterinary teams a deliberation with each other at the end and share thoughts and feelings.

 The Journey For Teams program also offers resources for how to facilitate a meeting that is intended to discuss a DEI video with best approaches and advice on keeping all participates included in the discussion.

The Journey For Teams video program can also be eligible for continuing education credits using the AVMA Axon account. Materials are free to access for AVMA members but is also available to non-members for a small fee.

The new module added to AVMA’s course is focused on neurodiversity and different brain functions. According to an AVMA news release, the course highlights the benefits and strengths these brain variations can have on our profession and overall community. As stated by the AVMA, “Neurodiversity: Foster an Extraordinary Workplace encourages us to ‘lead with curiosity’ when we meet people who are different from us, rather than view differences as disabilities. It also breaks down some common misconceptions about specific types of neurodivergence.”

The neurodiversity video, presented by Jen Brandt, PhD, explains how individuals diagnosed with dyslexia often exhibit exceptional visual and spatial skills, which can be a valuable asset in fields such as surgery. Likewise, people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) possess strengths in creativity and innovative problem-solving. The AVMA aims to demonstrate how these cognitive functions can offer a new perspective into the veterinary field and allow for a thriving, diversified team.

Additionally, the module provides suggestions on how to revise intake forms, tailor job descriptions, and adjust lighting, sounds, and equipment settings for a more sensory-friendly environment.

The other DEI videos featured in the Journey For Teams program alongside “Neurodiversity: Foster an Extraordinary Workplace” includes the following:

Pathway Development in Veterinary Medicine

Cultural Responsiveness in Veterinary Medicine

Embracing Gender Diversity: Exploring Gender Identity

Each video offers a chance for viewers to reflect and respect different viewpoints and experiences to allow members of the team to exercise considerate conversations with each other, clients, and the entire community.

Our shared path to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed March 7, 2024. https://www.journeyforteams.org/educational-modules/

Curiosity can lead to discovery: Embracing neurodiversity. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 6, 2024. Accessed March 7, 2024. https://www.avma.org/blog/curiosity-can-lead-discovery-embracing-neurodiversity?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-blog

Journey For Teams by the American Veterinary Medical Association adds a new module to its diversity learning program