The veterinary profession is currently facing several challenges.
Unity Animal Hospital is committed to addressing these challenges and has created a unique business structure that will enable us to do so. Below are the challenges we face and Unity’s proposed solutions:
Challenge: Rising Costs of Care – The cost of veterinary care is rising, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average family to afford.
Unity’s Solution: We encourage clients to become members of the hospital, which allows them to pay for all well-care in small, monthly installments. When emergency or sick care is required, it is provided at a reasonable cost. This helps ensure that pets receive all necessary preventative care, and it also makes paying for emergency and sick care less of a financial burden. We are also happy to provide care for clients who choose not to be members of the hospital.
Challenge: The Fate of Homeless Animals – Millions of animals enter shelters every year, and most of them are euthanized due to lack of resources. Many of these animals are family pets that were surrendered for financial reasons.
Unity’s Solution: We provide the same high-quality, comprehensive care to rescue and shelter animals that we provide to client-owned pets. We donate a portion of our profits to our rescue clients to fund care for their animals, keeping the cost of their veterinary care as low as possible. Additionally, our Pet Retention Fund helps fund emergency treatment for animals whose owners would otherwise have to surrender them to shelters.
Challenge: Lack of Teaching – Today’s veterinary students graduate with little exposure to primary care and little hands-on experience with general veterinary medicine. Clients often find that appointments are rushed and instructions from their veterinarian aren’t clear.
Unity’s Solution: We are committed to educating the whole pet care team: clients, staff, and students. A well-informed team makes for healthier animals. Additionally, we have an externship program for pre-vet and vet students to provide experience in general practice and shelter medicine.
Challenge: The Evolution of the Human-Animal Bond – The role of companion animals in our society has never been more prominent, yet veterinarians have little formal training in promoting and encouraging these relationships.
Unity’s Solution: We have significant experience managing many of the behavior and medical problems that can strain the loving relationship between pets and their human companions. We take the time to develop a plan that meets the needs of each individual patient and client. We also have relationships with trainers and behaviorists and can make referrals for pets who need a more comprehensive plan than we are able to provide.
The staff at Unity Animal Hospital used our experience with clients, interviews with local pet owners, and national research to better understand these challenges to pet owners and the veterinary profession.