The veterinary industry is rapidly evolving, with practices facing increasing caseloads, shifting client expectations, and rising operational costs. At the same time, pet parents expect greater convenience and transparency in their care experience than ever before. To meet these demands, practices must work smarter, not harder, leveraging technology to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes. Digital tools such as online marketplaces help veterinary professionals by digitizing prescription approvals, simplifying inventory management, and creating new efficiencies without overhauling established processes. This makes adoption manageable for even the busiest teams. Overcoming challenges in technology adoption Change can be intimidating, especially in fast-paced work environments like veterinary practices. The key to addressing potential concerns is to demonstrate how technology directly benefits every team member without overwhelming them with large-scale changes. Reducing administrative burdens. Managing prescription approvals, inventory, and client communications often takes time away from patient care. Digital tools shift these tasks to thoughtfully automated systems, allowing veterinary professionals to spend more time doing what they love most: caring for pets. Simplifying workflows. Many professionals have had negative experiences with cumbersome software in the past. New solutions must fit seamlessly into daily operations, offering small, incremental improvements that quickly demonstrate value.“Our online marketplace, PracticeHub, has been exceptionally user-friendly for our team to learn and navigate,” says Sydney Misiaszek, Jupiter practice manager at Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN). “It also makes it simple for clients to request medication refills, including compounded medications.” That ease of use can make all the difference when introducing change. Enhancing, not replacing, client relationships. Today’s pet owners expect a personalized experience that prioritizes their pet’s unique needs and accommodates their busy schedule. When veterinary teams can streamline administrative tasks, such as expediting prescription refills, they gain more time to educate pet parents, fostering deeper engagement and understanding. This strengthens client trust and loyalty, improving compliance and long-term retention. To successfully implement new technology, practices should collaborate closely with technology providers to access their training and support resources. Working with a technology provider that offers personalized support and guided implementation helps ensure a smooth transition. Practical strategies for introducing new technology 1) Start with the ‘why’ Before implementing new platforms, practice leaders should clearly communicate the benefits in a way that resonates with their team. When veterinary professionals understand how technology can simplify their daily tasks and improve overall efficiency, they are more likely to adopt it. Framing the conversation around specific pain points and practical improvements ensures the entire team sees the value. Consider how technology supports different aspects of the practice: In the exam room: Veterinary teams spend less time on paperwork, more time spent treating patients. Practice management: benefits from streamlined workflows, improved order management, clear revenue tracking, fewer repetitive manual tasks, and reduced overall stress. Client relationships: Pet owners experience faster service, clearer communication, a seamless experience, and better outcomes for their pets, leading to a stronger bond with the clinic and higher satisfaction. 2) Identify early advocates While full-team adoption is ideal, practices can start by winning over key individuals who can act as champions for the new technology. These advocates can lead by example, assist colleagues during the transition, and demonstrate firsthand how the new tools enhance day-to-day tasks. 3) Leverage expert support for training Providing ongoing support and training helps ensure a smoother transition and long-term success with new tools. Rather than relying solely on internal resources, practices should partner with technology providers to access training modules, hands-on demonstrations, and quick-start guides. Working with a company that offers a white-glove experience, such as onboarding guidance and dedicated support, can significantly reduce the learning curve and improve adoption. At SEVN, Arielle Mizrahi, MBA, Miami practice manager notes that the combination of intuitive design and ongoing support made a real impact: “PracticeHub has been a game-changer for our clinic. It has streamlined our workflow, provided easy access to educational resources, and made client communication more efficient than ever. We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in client satisfaction and team collaboration since we started using it.” 4) Foster a culture of open communication Encouraging dialogue about the benefits and challenges of new technology fosters continuous improvement and a positive mindset toward digital transformation. Veterinary teams can celebrate small wins as new tools streamline processes, share progress, and support one another in mastering new workflows. 5) Partner with a trusted provider Identifying solution providers with strong customer service is the best way to ensure a smooth transition. Providers that offer a digital platform and dedicated assistance can help practices overcome hurdles quickly and build confidence among team members. Looking ahead: The future of veterinary care Embracing technology is not about replacing the personal touch in veterinary medicine but strengthening and supporting that bond. Digital tools can help streamline prescription approvals and simplify administrative workflows, allowing veterinary teams to focus more on patient care and building trust with pet parents. This results in better compliance, healthier pets, and more loyal clients. Teams that work together to leverage these solutions will keep pace with industry changes and create a more positive environment for everyone involved—veterinary teams, support staff, pet parents, and, most importantly, pets. Practices experience reduced burnout, clients feel confident in understanding their pet’s care needs, and pets benefit from more consistent treatment plans. Implementing new digital solutions can feel like a big step, but the long-term benefits make the effort worthwhile. With tailored, easy-to-implement solutions, practices can simplify operations, improve compliance, and consistently deliver an exceptional client experience by reducing turnaround times for prescription approvals and medication delivery. Technology is not just a tool—it is a way to elevate veterinary care and ensure the best possible outcomes for pets and the people who love them. Audrey Efford, DVM, is a veterinarian for Chewy Health, where she supports practices in streamlining the prescription management process through Chewy’s PracticeHub. This platform enables veterinary teams to digitally create, review, and approve prescriptions or authorizations at no cost. Before joining Chewy, Efford practiced feline medicine in Georgia. She maintains certifications as a Fear-Free Veterinary Professional and Cat Friendly Veterinarian.
