The Veterinary Survival Show

Hosted by Mark McGaunn, CPA/PFS, CFP® and Jenni George, CVPM

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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50 recent

June 25, 2026Episode 1155 min

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 clinics Identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies Effective scheduling and appointment templates Utilizing team members to their fullest potential Managing practice growth and expansion Pricing strategies and profitability metrics Training and onboarding new staff efficiently Implementing SOPs and documentation Using technology and tools for practice management Strategies to prevent burnout and improve team morale Sound 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

June 24, 2026Episode 1049 min

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 planning Team morale and communication strategies Practice management software transition Inventory and receivables management Capital investments and financing options Chapters 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

June 22, 2026Episode 1050 min

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 practices The importance of intentionality in culture building Strategies for hiring personality fit over technical skills The role of leadership and vulnerability in culture Financial indicators of a strong practice culture Sound 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

June 22, 2026Episode 950 min

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 practices Choosing the right CPA and financial advisor Strategic planning and practice valuation Cost management and price increases Long-term exit and sale strategies

April 17, 2026Episode 849 min

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 retention Strategies for building a positive practice culture Balancing compensation and culture for staff retention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Insights 03:32 Culture vs. Compensation in Veterinary Practices 06:29 The Importance of Longevity in Veterinary Teams 09:28 Compensation Structures and Their Impact 12:23 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture 15:05 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Talent 18:12 Assessing Workplace Culture and Compensation 25:19 Understanding Compensation Beyond the Paycheck 26:50 Identifying Signs of Disengagement 30:27 The Role of Leadership in Culture 32:51 Exit Interviews: Uncovering the Truth 36:35 Balancing Culture and Compensation 39:23 Assessing and Improving Practice Culture 43:03 The Impact of Culture on Profitability 49:31 www.LGA.CPA (1).mp4

April 10, 2026Episode 752 min

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 evolution Dangerous dog hearings and procedures The role of veterinarians and records in legal cases Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:06 The Birth of Pet Law 06:53 Understanding Dangerous Dog Hearings 11:24 Legal Framework for Dog Ownership 14:13 The Role of Veterinarians in Legal Cases 17:03 Veterinary Records as Evidence 22:49 The Evolving Perspective on Pet Custody 27:10 Navigating the Legal Landscape of Pet Ownership 28:08 Memorable Cases and Lessons Learned 30:45 Veterinary Accountability and Client Communication 37:52 Proactive Measures: Custody Agreements and Pet Trusts 44:12 The Importance of Training and Responsible Pet Ownership 52:00 www.LGA.CPA (1).mp4

April 3, 2026Episode 653 min

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 Relationships 06:01 De-escalation Techniques for Client Interactions 11:49 Setting Boundaries and Expectations with Clients 18:07 The Case for Firing Clients 23:58 Compassion vs. Business: Finding the Balance 29:58 Effective Communication Strategies 36:47 Managing Discounts and Financial Health 41:58 Handling Online Reviews and Reputation 46:58 Setting Boundaries with Clients

March 9, 2026Episode 544 min

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

March 2, 2026Episode 435 min

VMX Highlights & AI's Role in the Future of Veterinary Medicine

In this episode, Mark McGaunn and Jenni George discuss key takeaways from the VMX conference, focusing on the rise of AI technology in veterinary medicine, challenges faced by practices, the importance of team dynamics and retention, and the impact of relief veterinarians. They emphasize the need for embracing technology, maintaining a positive culture, and the significance of continuity of care for clients. The conversation highlights the importance of bringing teams to conferences for shared learning and growth. Takeaways AI technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in veterinary practices. Veterinary practices face challenges in retention and team dynamics. Continuity of care is essential for client satisfaction. Embracing technology can improve efficiency and emotional wellness. Relief veterinarians are changing the landscape of veterinary care. Team involvement in decision-making leads to happier practices. New graduates are eager to learn and adapt to practice culture. Conferences provide valuable opportunities for team building and learning. Practices should focus on culture to retain staff and clients. It's important to set expectations for team participation at conferences. Want to learn more about how Mark and his team at LGA help veterinarian practices thrive? Visit https://www.lga.cpa/who-we-serve/veterinarians/ .

January 26, 2026Episode 349 min

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Veterinary Practices: Efficiency Without Losing Your Culture

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept in veterinary medicine. It is already showing up in exam rooms, back offices, and practice management systems across the country. In this episode, Chris O’Day sits down with hosts Jenni George, CVPM and Mark McGaunn, CPA/PFS, CFP® to cut through the hype and talk honestly about how AI is being used in veterinary practices today, where it is creating real efficiency, and where it introduces new risks. From AI scribes and scheduling tools to legal gray areas and culture concerns, this conversation focuses on how practice owners can adopt artificial intelligence thoughtfully without losing what makes their practice human. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Where AI is already being used in veterinary practices today How AI scribe tools can improve efficiency while still requiring human oversight The legal and medical record questions surrounding recordings, transcriptions, and data retention Common fears and misconceptions about artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine How practice owners can start small, test responsibly, and build clear guardrails Why protecting client experience and practice culture matters just as much as efficiency gains What Jenni and Mark are watching for at VMX and in the rapidly growing veterinary AI space If you’re curious about artificial intelligence but unsure where to begin, this episode offers a practical, grounded perspective from professionals who are already seeing it in action.