5 March 2021 | Product and Promotions Guide
Room to grow
Online retail (or e-commerce) is an increasingly important
part of your business. An online platform allows you to
reach consumers across a variety of demographics while
diversifying your income, opening up new doors for growth.
People shop online for pet products for the same reason
they do other things:
• Convenience
• Better selection
• Incentives and deals
• Access to reviews and product details
As a veterinarian, you play the part of an influencer for
your clients, as they look to you for recommendations on
products.
Adding an e-commerce facet to your practice can include
selling pet products that you recommend including:
• Food
• Supplements
• Oral care
• Parasite prevention products
Another great opportunity for all veterinarians, but
especially equine, mobile or specialized practices, is by
adding an online pharmacy to their site. In a 2018 report
from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
roughly 55 percent of equine veterinarians report that their
biggest reason for losing revenue is online pharmacies.
Giving your clients a way to purchase recommended or
prescribed products through your practice gives you a huge
opportunity to strengthen client bonds and add new
revenue streams to your business. Food and supplement
sales are recurring, resulting in continued revenue coming
into your practice from your e-commerce efforts.
Who are today's mobile practitioners?
Overall, the number of U.S. veterinarians has grown
roughly 32 percent in the past decade, going from 83,730
in 2007 to 110,531 in 2017, and that number is expected
to reach over 124,000 by 2027.
As the number of veterinarians grows, mobile practices are
on the rise. Membership in the American Association of
Housecall Veterinarians (AAHV) has increased 150 percent
compared to the past decade. Most mobile veterinarians
serve non-companion animals in practices focused on
equine and livestock patients.
On average, non-companion animal focused mobile
practitioners are seeing 72 animals a week per every full-
time employee and/or doctor.
As these trends continue to rise, competition will, too.
Mobile veterinary practices will need to differentiate
themselves and generate new revenue streams in order to
stay competitive. A powerful website combined with
e-commerce can help them succeed.
Contact your Covetrus North America sales
representative at 855.724.3461 or visit us online
to learn more about veterinary products and
services to help grow your mobile practice.
Sources:
https://ehopper.com/small-business/ecommerce-website/
https://www.vetport.com/ecommerce-for-vet-practice
https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/resources/2018-econ-rpt3-veterinary-services.pdf
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/veterinary-clinics-go-mobile/
