23 Q1 2023 | Animal Health Solutions
What are hospital managers saying about
discounts during National Pet Dental Health
Month? In an online poll of more than 100 hospital
managers, 74% said they won't offer dental
discounts this year.
1
Leaders explained why:
" My costs are going through the roof.
We use dental month to educate,
not give away income."
" We are not offering any promotions
in February. We are promoting
preventive dentistry year-round."
" We don't offer discounts to anyone.
We have a loyalty program that is
open to everyone."
" We have plenty of demand.
No need to discount anymore."
When National Pet Dental Health Month began two decades ago, its goal was to
educate pet owners and fill seasonal downturns. While the campaign had good
intensions, its mission of client education regressed into discounting professional
services. Some clients delayed treatment six or more months to save a few bucks.
Technicians were exhausted from jampacked procedure schedules. Unable to fit
every client who wanted the discount into the February schedule, veterinarians
extended the sale into March and April to accommodate the demand.
With 70% of veterinary hospitals grappling with staff shortages, managers and
veterinarians are abandoning the 10% to 20% price cut.
2
Finally, and many would
say thankfully, dental month discounts have come to a halt.
