Blogs

VHMA Announces Release of 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey, Including Two New Series

By VHMA Admin posted 13 days ago
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ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) has released the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey Report, a biannual member resource that examines pay and benefits for veterinary team members and the factors that influence them. The 2025 series include focused reports on non-DVM/staff, associate veterinarians, and veterinary managers, and introduces two new reports this year for veterinary receptionists and veterinary technicians. "Understanding how compensation is changing across roles helps practices stay competitive in a rapidly shifting labor market," said Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA Executive Director. "By expanding the 2025 ...
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VHMA Welcomes Silver Supporting Sponsor, Alphaeon

By VHMA Admin posted 15 days ago
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ALACHUA, FL – The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) announced that Alphaeon , a leading financing company in the healthcare sector, including veterinary hospitals and practices, has signed on as a Silver Supporting Sponsor. Qualifying companies offering products and services that address the professional business needs of today's veterinary practices are invited to participate in VHMA's sponsorship programs. Alphaeon is a dedicated patient-financing platform that helps veterinary hospitals make critical care accessible for pet owners, covering both routine wellness appointments and emergency visits. The company offers flexible payment plans ...
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Another Year Gone Before I Knew It

By Leslie Boudreau posted 16 days ago
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Every year, without fail, the end of the year arrives faster than I expect. No matter how many calendars I flip through, how many schedules I juggle, or how many times I tell myself this year I'll be more prepared , December still seems to appear overnight. One moment it feels like we're settling into the rhythm of the year, and the next I'm wondering how it's already time to reflect, wrap things up, and prepare to start all over again. Working as a manager in an animal hospital adds its own unique pace to the year. The days are full, often unpredictable, and always meaningful. There are early mornings, long shifts, emotional conversations, and countless ...
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VHMA Welcomes Gold Supporting Sponsor, DVM STAT Consulting

By VHMA Admin posted 28 days ago
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ALACHUA, FL – The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce that DVM STAT Consulting, a teleconsultation platform that delivers board-certified expertise to veterinary teams and ongoing case support, has joined as a Gold Supporting Sponsor. Companies offering products and services that address the professional business needs of modern veterinary practices are invited to participate in VHMA's sponsorship programs. DVM STAT Consulting provides 24/7 access to over 40 board-certified specialists across eight specialties for support of canine and feline patients. Consults include ongoing case support and follow-up. The company also ...
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VHMA Announces First Recipient of Mark Opperman Scholarship Award, Laurie Auger

By VHMA Admin posted 29 days ago
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ALACHUA, FL – Laurie Auger never imagined a future in the veterinary field. After moving to a small Montana town with her husband, while also completing an online degree in early childhood education at the University of Montana Western, she took a part-time assistant job at Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service "just to get by." What began as a temporary role in 2015 quickly transformed into a career that captured her heart as she advanced from assistant to receptionist, office manager, and ultimately to practice manager, becoming an essential part of the rural mixed-animal practice. In recognition of her leadership, impact, and dedication to professional growth, ...
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VHMA Emerging Leaders Program Recipients Announced: Alicia Edwards and Ericka Klopp-Taipalus

By VHMA Admin posted 30 days ago
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ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce that Alicia Edwards, CVPM, and Ericka Klopp-Taipalus, CVPM, CVT, have been selected as the 2026 Emerging Leader Program Scholarship Award Winners. The VHMA Emerging Leaders Program creates opportunities for the next generation of veterinary management professionals to advance toward earning the esteemed Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification. It also energizes the association with new leaders who help shape the future direction of the profession. The 2026 recipients were selected for their commitment to professional development and leadership. ...
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VHMA Welcomes Gold Supporting Sponsor, Black Diamond Radio

By VHMA Admin posted 11-25-2025
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For Immediate Release Contact: Jessica Lis, (215) 884-6499 Jessica@comsolutionsgroup.com ALACHUA, FL – The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce that Black Diamond Radio, manufacturer of the smallest, lightest industrial two-way radios and communication systems, has joined as a Gold Supporting Sponsor. Companies that offer products and services addressing the professional business needs of modern veterinary practices are invited to participate in VHMA's sponsorship programs. Initially known for providing high-quality earpieces to law enforcement, Black Diamond Radio expanded its expertise to veterinary, dental, hospitality, ...
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Reflecting on Things and People That Make Us Grateful

By Leslie Boudreau posted 11-18-2025
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How did we make it to November in the blink of an eye? With the end-of-year holidays looming, another year has whizzed by, causing me to reflect on the speed of everyday life and the gratitude I have for my work family. November is otherwise known as the Month of Gratitude. Thanksgiving celebrations prompt us to pause and reflect on the things and people in our lives that make us grateful. I spend many quality hours with my work family, primarily my leadership team. I am grateful for the wonderful group of veterinary professionals with whom I work daily. My gratitude for my team is exemplified when we all work together as a united team on a project ...
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VHMA Celebrates Practice Manager Recognition Week: November 9–15, 2025

By VHMA Admin posted 11-10-2025
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The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) proudly announces the celebration of Practice Manager Recognition Week, taking place from November 9 to 15, 2025. This annual event honors the dedication, leadership, and expertise of veterinary practice management professionals, as well as their vital contributions to the veterinary field. November is a month synonymous with gratitude—and VHMA extends its heartfelt appreciation to its membership of more than 5,000 veterinary practice managers. Practice Manager Recognition Week provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the pivotal role these professionals play in ensuring the success and well-being of ...
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Navigating Prescription Requests in Veterinary Practices: Compliance and Patient Safety

By VHMA Admin posted 11-04-2025
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As a business manager in a veterinary hospital, ensuring compliance with laws governing prescription practices is crucial—not only for legal and ethical reasons, but also to maintain trust with clients. With increased client demand for third-party prescription fills (think Chewy, 1-800-PetMeds, and local pharmacies), understanding the rules in your state is more important than ever. 1. Stay Current on State Regulations Each state's veterinary medical board oversees prescription practices and may update rules, especially as they relate to electronic prescriptions and telemedicine. Visit your state board's website regularly or sign up for alerts to stay informed ...
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Seasons Change, Challenges Grow

By Leslie Boudreau posted 10-15-2025
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Fall is my favorite season. I love the sunny days and cool, crisp evening breezes coming off the Pacific Ocean near my home in Southern California. California may be devoid of what most areas consider real seasons, but we still experience the shorter hours of daylight and the expected drops in temperature. I have always been a "sweater weather” fan and may own an alarming number of sweater choices. This is a no-judgment zone, right? Yet, with the change of seasons, cooler temperatures, and shorter days come the changing veterinary management challenges. For my leadership team and me, this comes in the form of preparing for the upcoming holidays and grappling ...
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VHMA Insiders’ Insights KPI Quarterly Commentary - October 2025

By VHMA Admin posted 10-14-2025
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VHMA Insiders’ Insight Commentary October 2025 Brittany Yost, CVPM, CVBL, CCFP Director, Customer Implementation and Engagement, Vetsource This quarter's VHMA Insiders' Insight data tells a consistent story, aligning with what we've seen throughout the year. Patient visits and revenue remained variable through the summer before climbing sharply in September to close the quarter on a high note. After a summer slowdown, practices closed September on a high note with the strongest month of patient visit growth in the past year. August marked the low point, with patient visits down -4.2% for VHMA Members and -5.2% for Non-Members year-over-year. Last month, however, ...
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Five Veterinary Managers Receive 2025 VMG Scholarship to Earn the CVPM Certification

By VHMA Admin posted 10-08-2025
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ALACHUA, FL — In a dynamic collaboration between Veterinary Management Groups (VMG), Zoetis, and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), five outstanding veterinary professionals have been awarded scholarships to pursue the esteemed Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) certification—the pinnacle of achievement in veterinary management. The CVPM certification program, facilitated by the VHMA, signifies a candidate's expertise and proficiency in navigating the evolving landscape of veterinary business management. To earn this certification, candidates must demonstrate extensive experience and knowledge and successfully complete ...
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Naming My Gremlin

By Leslie Boudreau posted 09-15-2025
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I am coming off a post-conference high as I write my first President's Message. The VHMA's annual conference was held at the beginning of the month in New Orleans. The theme was fantastic: “Rhythms of Excellence: Strategies for Veterinary Hospital Success.” There were so many highlights, including a second line parade for all the attendees, a pinning ceremony for the first recipients of VHMA's new certification, CVOM, and the record number of new CVPMs pinned, that we needed two groups as they couldn’t all fit on stage. The feedback for the conference will be analyzed to ensure we continue to provide top-notch continuing education for all veterinary management ...
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Veterinary Professionals Achieve Prestigious Certifications in August 2025

By VHMA Admin posted 09-11-2025
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Alachua, FL - The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is proud to announce the certification of forty-six veterinary management professionals. Four individuals have earned the Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) certification, while forty-two have achieved the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation. These accomplishments represent significant professional milestones, signaling expertise and excellence in veterinary practice management. The CVOM and CVPM programs, launched by VHMA, are designed to certify management professionals equipped to handle the dynamic operations of modern veterinary practices. The ...
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VHMA Selects Two President Award Winners at 2025 Conference

By VHMA Admin posted 09-11-2025
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New Orleans, La. — Like the music of New Orleans, which often has a vibrant, two-beat rhythm, the Veterinary Hospital Manager Association (VHMA) selected two President's Award winners this year. At its 2025 conference "Rhythms of Excellence: Strategies for Veterinary Hospital Success," held in New Orleans, VHMA honored Dr. Elizabeth Fritzler, DVM, CVPM, and Dr. Susan Diment, CVPM, PHR, DBA, for significantly impacting VHMA and growing the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) program. Fritzler, a VHMA member for more than 20 years, is currently the managing partner of Cascade Heights Veterinary Center. She served ...
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Managers Matter: A Thank You and a Challenge

By Scott Zimmerman posted 08-08-2025
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As I look ahead to the Annual Conference in New Orleans, I find myself reflecting on the incredible people who make up this organization. Serving as VHMA President over the past two years has been an honor and a privilege. It’s also been a reminder of something we don’t say often enough: managers matter. Veterinary managers keep their hospitals running– quietly, consistently, and with a level of commitment that often goes unnoticed. Most of us go about our work behind the scenes, serving as the buffer between ownership, the team, and clients. And while that’s part of the job, it doesn’t mean it should go unacknowledged. So, for my final blog ...
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VHMA Welcomes Scratchpay as a Silver Supporting Sponsor

By VHMA Admin posted 08-07-2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jessica Lis, 215-884-6499 jessica@comsolutionsgroup.com ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is pleased to announce that Scratchpay , a technology platform that provides flexible payment plans for veterinary and medical services, has joined as a Silver Supporting Sponsor. Companies that offer products and services addressing the professional business needs of modern veterinary practices are invited to participate in VHMA's sponsorship programs. Scratchpay enables pet parents to pay for treatment over time through affordable, customized plans without the need for a hard credit ...
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Cycling Around a Fallen Tree: Been There, Done That

By Scott Zimmerman posted 07-21-2025
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Unless you spent June reading fiction on the beach, you might recall my blog last month, which celebrated the cycling season by sharing "rules of the road" for practice managers. At that time, I was preparing for our AAHA accreditation and shared some pointers and strategies from a rider's perspective, like "Prepare for Complications During the Ride." Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the complications I faced on the morning of our AAHA visit. But first, let's set the stage. For those familiar with AAHA accreditation, maintaining it is akin to a CVPM keeping their certification. Every few years, you must present your continuing education, and then you ...
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VHMA Insiders’ Insights KPI Quarterly Commentary - July 2025

By VHMA Admin posted 07-10-2025
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VHMA Insiders’ Insight Commentary July 2025 Brittany Yost, CVPM, CVBL, CCFP Director, Customer Implementation and Engagement, Vetsource The latest VHMA Insiders’ Insight data signals a clear shift in veterinary practice performance: patient visits and active client counts are still trending downward, and revenue growth is losing steam. While July 2024 showed a 10.1% YoY revenue change, this year’s second-quarter growth ranged from -0.8% to 5.1%. So far, rising revenue per patient has masked the impact of declining volume, but the slowdown suggests that this strategy has run its course. Practices have relied on clients spending more to offset fewer visits, ...
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