Steps to Prepare Pets When Clients Return to Work

Great Tips for Your Clients COVID-19: 7 steps to help your client’s pet prepare for their return to work

Article by Michael San Filippo - AVMA Media Relations As states and municipalities begin the process of opening up following months of lockdowns and closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is encouraging pet owners to take steps to ensure the transition is smooth and stress-free for our pets. “Dogs and cats are creatures of routine, and they’ve probably gotten very accustomed to having us around the house all day during the pandemic; for pets adopted over the past couple of months, this may be the only routine they’ve ever known,” said Dr. John Howe, president of the AVMA. “So as more of us transition back to work and regular schedules we need to prepare our pets for this new routine.” The AVMA recommends the following seven steps to get pets ready for your return to work: • Slowly introduce workday routines— Schedule waking up, feeding and walking as you might for your expected workday routine, then introduce a consistent departure schedule that builds on that routine. • Take anxiety out of your departure—Practice short departures on a daily basis and gradually extend the time you are gone. Give a small treat just as you walk out the door to condition the pet to find it rewarding when you leave. If signs of anxiety—such as destructive activity— occur, do not punish the pet. Instead, shorten the time away and slowly build up to longer periods. Stay calm when leaving or returning home. • Exercise—Before leaving, engage in play and activity. Burning energy can help keep pets calm and relaxed. While the risk of pets becoming infected is believed to be low, as a precaution, if you intend to have a dog walker or send your pet to daycare while at work, treat your pet as you would a human family member to protect them from possible infection with COVID-19. This means limiting contact between your pets and people outside your household as much as possible. Follow protocols put into place by the daycare and do not use these options if you or your pets are sick. Keep cats indoors if possible. Do not put face coverings on pets and do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or any other products not approved for animal use. Keep them engaged—Long-lasting treats, food puzzles, and automatic feeders can help keep pets occupied during the day while you’re out. • Create a safe space—If you have typically used a crate when you were gone but haven’t been crating your dog

while at home, now is a good time to either explore not using a crate while you are away (gradually increasing the length of time you are away) or reintroduce crating while still working from home by making it rewarding for the dog to go into the crate for short periods of time. • Look for signs of stress—Excessive barking or whining, agitation, destructive behavior and inappropriate urination/ defecation can all be signs of stress. If you are concerned, consider filming your pets when you leave so you can better observe them and share the video with your veterinarian.• Talk to your veterinarian—Concerns about behavior, stress and wellbeing may require a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist and/or medical intervention.

QUICK TIP

Why should I hire a broker when I can sell my own practice?

This is a common question from veterinarians who are ready to sell but hesitate on investing in a broker. Think of this investment as much more than just money. What is the value of your time? What experience do you have in selling veterinary hospitals? How do you know what is considered a good offer? There are many benefits to hiring a broker whether you are looking to sell privately or to a corporate purchaser.

Why Choose Simmons?

Because we have personally built a rapport with over 30 corporate purchasers, some that you may not have knowledge of, resulting in a wider range of offers to choose from. This gives you the benefit of choosing the best buyer for you and the legacy of your hospital. If you desire to sell privately, we have a large database of buyers wanting to purchase hospitals and lending resources eager to lend them money. We walk you through every step of the transaction. Finding a buyer is only the first step!

The Marketing/Offering Process:

We complete a financial analysis used for pricing and/or anticipating corporate offers. We create a beautiful, customized, 15-20 page marketing package that showcases your hospital. Once we have attracted a buyer, or sometimes, multiple buyers, they will have many questions. We work closely with the them to answer their questions, soliciting your help only when necessary.

Negotiations:

We will schedule a call with you to review all the complex details of the various offers. This is where our experience is crucial. On the corporate side, we share with you all of the many advantages and disadvantages of each buyer. For private buyers, itʼs our goal to ensure the buyer looking at your practice is a good match. With your feedback and goals in mind, we will negotiate the best possible price, terms, and deal for you.

Due Diligence/Legal Documents:

Once we have a signed offer in place, the buyer needs to complete their due diligence which creates even more questions. We answer as many of these questions as we can, saving you more time. You arenʼt expected to understand all of the legalities. We review the legal documents and work closely with your attorney to assure you are protected. Itʼs common to negotiate the finer details at this point, which we handle on your behalf.

We guide you through this complicated process so you can sell your practice with the highest level of confidence and comfort in your decision. This is one of the largest financial and career decisions of your life. Donʼt do it alone and have sellerʼs remorse. Let us help you!

1. Central MO, 1 DVM, SA Px 2. Current Listings in Missouri: Springfield area, 1 DVM, SA, Px 3. South of St. Louis, 2 DVM, SA Px PENDING **Visit our website for additional details on our listings**

Nikki Nitz, CPA, CMA Simmons Midwest * 877-322-6465 Simmons@SimmonsMidwest.com www.SimmonsInc.com