In this recent installment of Pet Connections sponsored by Aurora Pharmaceuticals, Peter C. Hann, DVM,  tackles 6 myths clients may have about heartworm disease, and the reality behind it. 

Pet Connections: Six Myths about Heartworm Disease

This content is sponsored by Aurora Pharmaceutical

Heartworm disease is a serious, but preventable condition that affects both dogs and cats, and yet it can be often misunderstood by clients. To help educate clients, Peter C. Hann, DVM, technical services veterinarian at Aurora Pharmaceutical, shares the 6 common myths he hears when it comes to heartworm disease and prevention with clients, and what the truth really is in this latest installment of dvm360's Pet Connections. 

Pet owners only need to be concerned about heartworm in the summer

While peak transmission for heartworm disease from mosquitoes certainly occurs in the summer months, however areas of the country that can have microclimates or even just year-round warmer weather besides the summer months. Hann even explained that some mosquitoes prefer to live indoors which can put 'indoor only' pets at risk so it is important to keep up with protection all year round. 

For cats, despite being aberrant hosts of heartworm disease and are less likely to harbor adult heartworm when compared to dogs, they can still be infected and have a more severe and different reaction to heartworm. Hann also explains that there is no effective treatment for cats with heartworm so when it comes to prevention, it is extremely important that cats remain protected year round. 

Heartworm preventives are 'multitaskers' so they can protect patients against more than heartowrm disease. In fact, many can provide fear, tick, intestinal worms, and even mange. This is why using monthly heartworm preventives are a great way to protect patients and clients from heartworm disease.  

You'll know if your dog has heartworm disease

Damage to the blood vessels in dogs begins to occur immediately with heartworm disease, but the damage done is not always transparent.  Depending on number of heartworms and activity levels in canine patients, they may not show any signs heartworm. According to Hann, the longer the dog has heartworm, the more damage that can occur so it is crucial to have annual testing and consistent prevention. 

Generic heartworm prevention is on the. market today that are just as effective as brand named products. Hann even explains that they can cost less per month than a clients dog food. He also wants clients to know that despite the cost of prevention, it will never be more expensive then treating heartworm disease. 

If my dog gets heartworm disease, my veterinarian can easily treat it

Nothing could be further from the truth than this final myth. Treating heartworm, as mention in myth number 5, can be very expensive and dangerous, plus the damage done to the heart cannot be reversed. heartworm is a serious disease, but it is also a preventable one. 

Videos

Debunk these common heartworm disease misconceptions with Peter C. Hann, DVM

Six myths about heartworm disease

Marlis Rezende, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, discusses the common conditions she sees in practice that best utilize TIVA for pain management.

Using total intravenous anesthesia in certain cases

Marlis Rezende, DVM, PhD, MSc, DACVAA, an associate professor of anesthesia and analgesia at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in Fort Collins, presented and copresented more than a dozen continuing education lectures and hands-on labs during the 2025 North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) SkillShop in Orlando, Florida. In a 

 interview, Rezende discussed total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and the common conditions she sees in practice that best utilize this method of pain management.

The following is a transcript of the video:

: In my practice, the most common cases that we would do on TIVA would be patients that have clinical signs or concerns for increased intracranial pressure. So [it would] be your patient that has a history of seizures and it's coming from an MRI or a patient with traumatic brain injury that we want to image. So those would be the most common, because it comes from the fact that TIVA tends to decrease intracranial pressure, decrease cerebral blood flow, and so by doing that, using those techniques, we have one [less] thing to worry about. Although you do have to still ventilate them because [if you choose to hyperventilate,] then some of that benefit might be lost, but that is the main case that we do. 

The other ones would be relatively short imaging, again, CTS, ultrasounds, that kind of stuff, where the dog needs to be under general anesthesia, but we expect it to be a relatively short procedure—an hour, an hour and a half—and then the recovery. They can go home, and they return to their normal behavior faster. Obviously, there'll be some influence of what you premedicate them with, right? But in general, those are the 2 types of cases that we do [with TIVA] more frequently.

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP, FFCP, discusses identifying chronic pain in cats

Could a new or missing behavior be a sign of feline pain?

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP, FFCP, explains in this video that identifying chronic pain in cats often comes down to recognizing the loss of normal behaviors and the development of new ones. Although feline pain can appear subtle at first, Kucera notes that once professionals and caregivers learn what to look for, the signs become unmistakable. In the video, she also underscores the value of asking clients open-ended questions to uncover these changes earlier.

Below is the interview transcript, which has been lightly edited for improved clarity:

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP, FFCP:

 So, when it comes to subtle or less-known signs of chronic pain in cats, I kind of like to answer it more broadly because of course, there are very specific things that I tend to see a lot. For example, cats are only scratching on the lower end of the scratcher and aren’t doing those big stretches, or they don’t lay out with limbs away; they kind of sleep like this all the time.

But what I like to focus on is maintenance and loss of normal behavior, and development of new behaviors. So this may be, again of course, house soiling: the cat is missing the litter box [even though] they normally use it. Or, they don’t usually hide, and [now] they’re hiding. Or they’re self-segregating—they’re not spending as much time with you.

Or development of a new behavior could be: all of a sudden, hey, these cats never had tension that the caregiver recognized and now they’re recognizing hissing. And by the time a caregiver is recognizing tension, it’s usually at least moderate because some of those subtler signs of body language aren’t noted, usually.

Or is this cat exhibiting fear-aggressive or pain-induced aggressive behaviors? All of a sudden, they don’t like to be picked up or they don’t like to be brushed. And then you can ask the caregiver: “What does it look like when your cat is brushed?” Not “Does your cat like to be brushed?” Again, those open-ended questions get more of that information.

And then, I know I said the word “subtle” and as far as when I’m describing chronic pain body language in cats, I always like to say that although they’re prey/predator animals and we’re less likely to be able to identify pain in the exam room due to fear and stress causing that pain perception to decrease, it is really important to remember that once we identify the pain, it screams out at you.

So I don’t think it’s very subtle. I think it’s a lot of body language. But once you—I mean, I teach caregivers all the time—once I point it out, they’ll never unsee it. So I’ll be doing a virtual consult, and I watch a cat walk...I'm like, “Whoa. Five observations that that cat is uncomfortable.”

So I think that’s another big thing. It’s not really subtle once you learn it. Just like body language—whether this cat’s fearful or stressed—that can be hard to note sometimes. We notice red, but not yellow or green but once you know them, you’re like, “Oh, I totally understand why this cat escalated,” or “This cat’s yellow, let me adapt my approach or change the environment.”

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), CCBC, KPA-CTP, FFCP, talks about identifying chronic pain in cats

Is a new or missing behavior a sign of feline pain?

Jenni Rizzo, DVM 
President of the American Heartworm Society and Founder of IntroVet 

Dr. Jenni Rizzo graduated from Kansas State University in 2012, and since then has had the opportunity to work in many different facets of veterinary medicine, ranging from exotics, to shelters, to primary and specialty care, to education and outreach. She has served on the board of the American Heartworm Society (AHS) since 2016, is the youngest and first female President of AHS, and is the President and Founder of 

, an introvert-friendly continuing education community for DVMs and technicians. In her spare time, Dr. Rizzo still practices in Texas and Florida, and travels throughout the United States with her two dogs, Pistol Pete and Biggie Smalls, educating on heartworm disease, leading IntroVet conferences, and exploring National Parks.

Recent veterinary graduates and current veterinarians have voiced their need for an educational model that better prepares students for what working in a practice is like. Education is not able to mirror the realities of pet owners with limited financial resources, how to work with underserved communities, cover every condition or need that may affect pets, and limits what students may be able to do when treatment or resources are not available within a clinic.

This creates a gap in the capabilities of veterinary students and veterinarians. Emerging from these anxieties is the spectrum of care approach so veterinary staff are better equipped to provide a wider range of options for pets and their owners. 

The reality is that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is often impractical due to a myriad of factors: the pet’s clinical presentation, life stage, any co-existing or preexisting co-morbidities, and crucially, the pet owner’s income, location, cultural background, and personal experiences.

 A 2018 survey revealed that 28% of pet owners experienced a barrier to veterinary care and 23% were unable to provide preventive health care for their pets. What is even more unsettling is the estimate that 17 million pets in underserved communities have never been to a veterinarian for care.

 These statistics emphasize the significant unmet needs within the pet owner population. 

The spectrum of care model addresses these needs by envisioning a continuum of care, where one end is the most extensive, expensive, and invasive. The other end represents the least expensive and least invasive option. Cases often fall in between, allowing for a more tailored care plan specific to the circumstances of the pet and pet owner.

 This model accounts for the pet’s quality of life, the client’s limitations and preferences, past experiences that may influence treatment decisions, and resources at a veterinary clinic. When looking at a specific issue—like parasite protection in pets—these factors outline why compliance is challenging for pet owners.

Parasites pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of pets, their owners, and the environment. They can cause discomfort, illness, and even death if left untreated, and some parasites have the potential to infect humans and other animals. Despite these risks, surveys indicate a lack of awareness among pet owners regarding parasitic risks, the frequency of preventive measures, or the financial means to consistently purchase preventive medications.

“Usually, this comes from a lack of understanding of how pets get parasites, what happens when [pets] are infected, and how it impacts the family. The intestinal parasites of dogs have the potential to infect children or the elderly and make humans really sick,” said Dr. Jenni Rizzo. Engaging in open conversations with pet owners “about why a parasite is going to make their pet sick or what they’re going to do if they get infected” is necessary to showcase the harm of a parasitic infection.

While misinformation regarding parasitic protection—it’s unnecessary during winter, only outdoor pets are at risk, natural remedies are sufficient, or “it won’t happen to my pet”— contributes to a lack of compliance, the most significant barrier to parasite protection is often cost. Alarmingly, 60% of pet owners do not provide heartworm and/or parasite protection for their pets.

 This issue is exacerbated by the escalating costs of veterinary care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed a 7.9% increase in the price of veterinary services between February 2023 and February 2024, a rate more than 2.5 times higher than the average increase in consumer items.

 Furthermore, another study indicated that 91% of pet owners in the United States have experienced financial stress related to their pet, with 33% having sought additional sources of income.

 The phenomenon, coined as “Petflation,” tracked over 19 months by Pet Business Professor, shows a 38.9% growth in the base cost of veterinary services. These mounting financial pressures on pet owners contribute to the struggle of consistent protective medication compliance.

Rising veterinary costs have also led to a decrease in the frequency of veterinary visits. While dog and cat populations in households experienced a compound annual growth rate of approximately 1.94% and 2.05%, respectively, between 2016 and 2022, the overall number of client visits to veterinarians fell by 2.7%.

Most pet parents in the United States, when surveyed, believe financial situations should not be a barrier to pet ownership and say they would sacrifice luxuries to provide for their animals. However, the reality is 11% of surveyed owners living below the poverty line reported being unable to afford protective medications.

 When you factor in all the possible expenses for pet care alongside these numbers—annual visits, vaccines, food, supplies, etc.—owners may not be as willing to pay for high cost parasite protection. Financial constraints should not impede pets from receiving essential protection. Rather, options for parasitic protection that balance routine pet costs will ensure more pets are protected without having to cut costs on other veterinary procedures or products.

Implementing spectrum of care with protection compliance

High-cost options are not the only available solution for heartworm and flea protection. Generic versions of established medications offer a more affordable alternative. For instance, ivermectin is a generic equivalent to Heartgard for dogs, and milbemycin oxime serves as a generic option for Interceptor Plus in cats.

Beyond medication cost, the method of delivery can also influence compliance. Pet owners may prefer oral tablets that can be administered at home, injectable medications administered at the vet that can provide protection for several months, or topical treatments that address multiple parasites simultaneously. “For some clients, it can be hard to remember to give a medication consistently every month. So, for them, a monthly product might not be a great idea. For others, they might have dogs that don’t take oral medications easily. Maybe they spit it out or vomit after dosing. Maybe they fight with their owner or won’t sit still when administered medications,” said Dr. Rizzo, when explaining some considerations for deciding what type of heartworm and flea product to recommend to owners. 

Furthermore, rethinking payment structures can significantly improve access to preventative medications. Many veterinary clinics offer payment plans that allow owners to spread the cost of heartworm preventatives over several months. Recurring monthly deliveries of parasiticides, usually in a 3- or 6-months’ supply, also allow owners to better budget each month. “Pet insurance can be another thing that helps clients cover other aspects of veterinary care,” suggested Dr. Rizzo. “Something newer that I don’t think a lot of practices are aware of yet would be wellness plans or companies that exist now to help vet practices allow their clients to make payments over time. The client has an easier time affording vet care and is more likely to accept recommendations for parasiticide care, especially if they’re only paying $30 or $40 a month instead of several hundred upfront.” Encouraging price shopping among local clinics and reputable online pharmacies can also help owners find more affordable options, considering variations in pricing based on location and the veterinarian’s ability to offer different purchasing routes.

Virbac’s spectrum of care approach aims to increase compliance to emphasize the importance of tailoring a plan that aligns with the client’s budget.

 This doesn’t mean not carrying premium-priced broad-spectrum parasiticides, but rather adding more affordable options for a pet owner who is not able or willing to commit to a high-cost option. “It’s important to have a conversation and find out what their specific concerns are, whether it’s cost or whether it’s something else,” said Dr. Rizzo. A three-step protocol plan, supported by the spectrum of care framework, can look like the following for parasitic protection: 

Parasites differ in species and prevalence depending on location. When a pet owner comes in, it is important to assess the geographical location to determine the accurate likelihood of risk for infection. 

 The veterinarian should then explain these risks to the client. Be open to questions, and different methods of explaining how their pet can be impacted. Building trust between the veterinarian and the pet owner better supports the dialogue and empowers pet parents to feel in control of their pets’ care.

 Dr. Rizzo recommends the Heartworm Society and Companion Animal Parasite Council as valuable educational resources. 

Do not just recommend the high-cost combo product, especially if a pet owner expresses concerns about finances. Make a plan that offers lower-cost options. They may not know what is out there and be intimidated by the more expensive options.

Demystifying the costs of expenses can help reduce anxiety during a visit, yet only 30% of veterinarians discuss cost with their clients. When pet owners perceive veterinary care as prohibitively expensive or lack understanding of the reasons behind exam fees, they are more likely to leave the clinic without necessary protection for their pets. Transparency regarding the anticipated cost of a visit upfront sets clear expectations for the client and allows them time to prepare. It is recommended to break down the costs of diagnostic tests, compare different treatment plans, explain the rationale behind the costs of various procedures, and outline the pros and cons of each approach. Offering package deals with fixed pricing for routine or common reasons for veterinary visits can also enhance cost predictability.

The benefits of embracing a spectrum of care approach are evident in both the short-term and long-term well-being of pets and their owners. Increased transparency fosters trust in their veterinarian and encourages them to seek veterinary care sooner when their pets are unwell. Earlier intervention can often prevent or mitigate the need for costly emergency visits and can lead to more favorable prognoses for the pet. 

The complexities and high costs associated with treating conditions like heartworm further justify the importance of early prevention. When it comes to heartworm in pets, specifically, several medications, surgery in severe cases, and exercise restrictions are necessary for treatment. Costs for heartworm treatment add up quickly into the thousands between the heartworm test, X-rays, echocardiograms, and injections. 

“Antibiotics and specific heartworm preventatives are prescribed to treat the larval stages of heartworms and to kill the 

 bacteria that lives symbiotically with the heartworms.

 Two to three months later, a series of three injections is given to kill the adult heartworm. During that time, anti-inflammatories are also prescribed throughout this whole process; dogs must rest and avoid strenuous activity to avoid some of the risks associated with having heartworms,” outlined Dr. Rizzo about the complexity of heartworm treatment. After all these treatments, pets will require a series of follow-ups to confirm the heartworm treatment has been successful. Overall, the treatment plan takes up to a year to complete.

By applying spectrum of care at the early stages—an annual exam or a new pet exam, as examples—there is a chance to stop heartworm before it starts.

The spectrum of care approach offers a vital framework for enhancing parasitic protection compliance and creating a more inclusive veterinary profession. Emphasizing access to services among all pet owners, regardless of their financial circumstances, is crucial for improving overall pet health. These spectrum of care principles extend beyond parasitic products and can be applied to all diagnostics and treatments in veterinary medicine. Dr. Rizzo mentions it can be hard for clients to believe veterinarians are on their side when they’re sitting on the other side of the exam room table and realizing they can’t afford necessary vet care. “When we can create a plan that works for the family sitting right there in front of us, then it becomes a lot easier for clients to see what we already know, that we do care, and that we’re trying our very best to take care of their pet. In that regard, I think spectrum of care does a lot to create better relationships with clients to create more trust and understanding and to convey empathy.” Spectrum of care ultimately benefits pets, their owners, and the veterinary profession.

1. Fingland RB, Stone LR, Read EK, Moore RM. Preparing veterinary students for excellence in general practice: building confidence and competence by focusing on spectrum of care. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2021;259(5):463-470. doi: 10.2460/ javma.259.5.463 

2. Canadian Animal Shelter & Community Medicine Association. Spectrum of Care – What it is and how to put it into Practice. Published online February 24, 2024. https://www.cascma.org/ spectrum-of-care-what-it-is-and-how-to-put-it-into-practice/ 

3. Provide a Spectrum of Care to Increase Veterinary Access to More Clients. ASPCApro. Published October 2021. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/ provide-spectrum-care-increase-veterinary-access-more-clients 

4. What is the spectrum of care? AAHA. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/ what-is-the-spectrum-of-care/ 

5. Global Trends: Parasite Control in Pets. Published 2024. https:// healthforanimals.org/animal-health-in-data/parasites-diseases/ global-trends-parasite-control-in-pets/ 

6. A big pet peeve: Soaring costs of vet care bite into owners’ budgets. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/ nation/2024/04/16/vet-pet-care-cost-rising/73098326007/ 

7. Gollub H, Lobb J. Survey: 91% of dog owners have experienced financial stress over the cost of pet ownership. USA TODAY Blueprint. Published September 25, 2024. https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/pet-insurance/ cost-of-pet-ownership-2023/ 

8. Gibbons J. Petflation 2025 – January Update: Stable at +2.0% vs Last Year. Pet Business Professor. Petbusinessprofessor. com. Published February 17, 2025. https:// petbusinessprofessor.com/petmarket/petmarketsegments/ petflation-2025-january-update-stable-at-2-0-vs-last-year/ 

9. Nolen RS. Facing economic uncertainty, clients delay veterinary visits. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published November 28, 2023. https://www.avma.org/news/ facing-economic-uncertainty-clients-delay-veterinary-visits 

10. The Humane Society of the United States: More than a Pet. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.humaneworld.org/sites/ default/files/docs/HSUS_More-Than-a-Pet-Harris-Poll-2024.pdf 

11. Heartworm Prevention Pills vs. Injections - What’s The Difference? Vettedpethealth.com. Published 2023. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.vettedpethealth.com/resources/ heartworm-prevention-pills-vs-injections-whats-the-difference 

12. Sy M. How Much Does Heartworm Treatment Cost for Dogs? GoodRx. Published December 16, 2024. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/ heartworm-treatment-cost-for-dogs 

13. Close the Gap with a Spectrum of Care. Virbac.com. Published 2023. https://vet-us.virbac.com/home/products/parasiticides/ close-the-gap-with-a-spectrum-of-care.html 

14. Stolz S. Spectrum of care: protocols to support pet owners’ budgets. DVM 360. Published March 31, 2023. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/ spectrum-of-care-protocols-to-support-pet-owners-budgets 

15. Treating Heartworms in Dogs. Petmd.com.

Articles

Understanding how the spectrum of care approach puts the needs of the pet owner and pet at the forefront, supporting a more holistic approach of parasite protection compliance. 

The spectrum of care approach for parasite protection compliance

The RECOVER Initiative provided a 2-day workshop for veterinary professionals to learn how to teach a CPR certification course during the NAVC SkillShop event.

Training new leaders with CPR instructor certification course

The RECOVER Initiative presented a 2-day CPR instructor certification course on basic and advanced life support at the 

North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) SkillShop

 in Orlando, Florida. During the course, aspiring instructors learned how to conduct the basic life support and advanced life support rescuer certification courses and how to assess and certify others in basic life support. Participants used a hands-on canine patient simulator to enhance their learning.

In this video, course leader Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM), chief nursing officer for Veterinary Emergency Group and RECOVER program director; and Dan Fletcher, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, professor of emergency and critical care at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and co-chair of the RECOVER Initiative, discuss aspects of the course and what NAVC SkillShop attendees were experiencing. Additionally, newly certified RECOVER CPR instructors Jennifer Dow, RVT, VTS (ECC), a North Carolina-based travel nurse for Veterinary Emergency Group; and Anita Parker, RVN, AVN, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), CVPP, employee engagement officer for Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane, Australia, talk about how they will bring what they’ve learned from the course back to their respective roles as trainers and educators, in 

: The RECOVER Initiative was launched in 2012. We published evidence-based veterinary CPR guidelines at that time, and we just updated them in 2024 based on the newest evidence available. So this course is really targeted at teaching people how to teach other people how to do CPR according to those evidence-based guidelines. For me, it's a really exciting course because it really allows us to expand our impact. We're going to be training. We train 24 people here during this [NAVC SkillShop] conference. Those 24 people then go out and train a whole bunch of other people themselves, and so we can really multiply this impact.

I think this course is really a unique course in that we have online content that is covering the basics of the guidelines, so they get a didactic introduction to what the guidelines say. And then they can come into this lab, and they can actually practice applying those guidelines to simulated cases.

Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)

: We teach our instructors how to take a more learner-centric approach to teaching. We want to not just give people information but also facilitate a discussion based on what they just experienced in the simulation to draw out the information that they learned before they came into the workshop itself.

Anita Parker, RVN, AVN, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), CVPP

: The way the course is structured is really nice. You start off with your little baby steps, and then they get you up to the final outcome. And each step of the way, you're feeling more and more confident each way.

These folks who come in, and they have the knowledge in their heads, they know what they're supposed to do, but when they first try to apply it, it can be a little rough the first few times they try. And then after some training for the day and really practicing applying it. It's just amazing to see where they get. They're remarkably good at implementing these guidelines in real cases after doing that. So it's just really fun to watch where they get during the course of the day. And now all these instructors get to go out and experience that for a whole bunch of people all over the world.

: I've been in the field for a very long time, and when I first learned how to do CPR, I didn't wasn't given very much instruction. Everything felt very chaotic. And so I've been practicing the RECOVER CPR for the past 3 years, and I've definitely seen a difference in outcomes, achieving ROSC [return of spontaneous circulation] and even some survival to discharge as well.

So we have some new approaches to how to do chest compressions in dogs and cats. We have some new approaches to how to ventilate dogs and cats. So quite a bit has actually changed, and we're really excited, because that's all based on the evidence that's out there. So we really feel good that we're teaching the best evidence-based approach that we can.

: By creating a safe environment for them to be able to answer questions and maybe they get the answer wrong, but that's OK, because we're just all here to learn, and being able to facilitate that discussion, allowing them to get to the answers themselves, really is a better way of people learning and thinking about the situation, using their critical thinking skills in order to make it stick, in the end.

: We're in this business because we actually want to take care of our pets, take care of other people's pets, and if we are being trained in the proper aspect, then we should be able to go home feeling that we've done everything correctly in the first instance. Because, let's be honest, we have a really tough job, and we are our own worst critics. So the moment we can keep practicing on these skills, the less we're going to totally eliminate it, but we're less likely to feel that we haven't done a good job if we've been provided the correct training on a regular basis. So we go into both scenarios, really, really confident.

: You should definitely take this course if you are in the veterinary field, really any type of veterinary field, just because you never know when an emergency can happen.

Training new leaders with CPR instructor certification course 

 presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Adam Conroy, to discuss his journey that began working in a kennel as a child to becoming a practice owner and mentor to others. Throughout the episode Conroy shares what he thinks is important in veterinary practices, the de novo model of practice ownership, and more. 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity

: So in your experience, what are some qualities that, when you’re talking to somebody, make you think, "Oh—that definitely sounds like someone who could be, you know, a rock star for this." What does that look like?

Yeah, I think the big thing that comes to mind is they have an open mind-set. I don't have it all figured out. I mean, I've talked to a lot of people. Hey, I'm a high producer. I do it this way. I will do this if I make X amount of money. I think they're coming in with a fixed mind-set as opposed to an open "Hey, I've learned a lot over the years, and I've seen some good, I've seen some bad. I would love some input from you guys that have done this as well, and together, let's create something." 

Humility has always been big to me. I think humility, as much as I've done over the years as a leader, I'll be the first to admit I have a long way to go as a leader, so anybody who thinks they have it all figured out again, I think, lacks that humility component. And really it's that fortitude of what your vision is and what your happiness is. If you can't nail that, it's almost a losing battle right out of the gate, because I'm a work-backward person. If you don't know what makes you happy as a partner, in 3 years, if you're unhappy, there's nothing to rest it on, because we didn't have a shared North Star of what we were working toward, so at least an idea of what good looks like, because what we won't do, and I think this speaks to us, providing that unique opportunity is what the vision and identity of the practice is, that's a leadership thing. 

So somebody that comes to the table really excited: "Oh my God, I want to practice where it's gossip-free, and I only want people to work there that are really intrinsically motivated, and I want them to be part of the solution. And on Saturdays, I want to do Instagram pictures." I love that, right? That's a creative that's creating a vision that the staff can rally behind, and, quite frankly, get fired up and excited. 

So those are my big things, outside of what I'm not looking for. I'm the highest producer. I've been a leader. I think those are all good things. It just boils down to: OK, what kind of leader have you been? How do you define leadership? How do you define successful leadership?

Podcasts

From "kennel kid" to practice owner, Adam Conroy, DVM, shares his journey to practice ownership and tips and tricks to help future owners. 