“Wild
03 March

Tethering legislation passes Senate

Cassie Isackson   |   State Regulatory

On February 28, the Senate unanimously passed Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5356 creating humane standards to address the tethering or chaining of dogs. The bill requires that dogs must be able to move comfortably, have access to water and clean, safe shelter. It prohibits tethering a dog that is ill, injured, in distress, in late stage pregnancy or under the age of six months. It also prohibits the use of choke or prong-type collars, and being in any conditions that...

Read More
03 March

The Key to Forward Booking Appointments

Cassie Isackson   |   Practice Management

It is an unfortunate reality that many clients don’t book an appointment until their pet is truly ill. In this day and age people are busy and they simply forget to schedule that annual exam or wellness visit. Sure, you may send a postcard every year, but who is to say those don’t end up with all the other junk mail…you know, in that drawer, pile, or dare I say trash (come on you know you do it too). Perhaps the...

Read More
03 March

Interested members sought to run for the WSVMA Board of Directors

Cassie Isackson   |   WSVMA News

The WSVMA is currently seeking interested members to serve on the WSVMA Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in October 2017. Terms for Drs. Kathy Hickey and Jean Gulbransen expire this fall. Dr. Gulbransen is eligible to serve another term. Drs. Lisa Parshley and Gary Marshall are currently serving three-year terms through 2018. Drs. Paul DeMaris and Diane Pinkers are currently serving three-year terms through 2019. Candidates will be presented to the membership in July for election at the...

Read More
24 February

Important notice: Seoul Virus outbreak in pet rats and humans

wsvma   |   One Health, Uncategorized

As of February 22nd, 2017 no human or rodent cases of Seoul hantavirus have been confirmed in Washington State.  During late December 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was notified about a patient in Wisconsin who presented to a hospital earlier that month with fever, headaches, leukopenia, transaminitis, and mild proteinuria. Hantavirus infection was suspected because the patient breeds and sells Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) primarily for pets and to a lesser extent for feeding to carnivores (snakes)....

Read More
24 February

What to look for in an ethical collection agency

wsvma   |   Practice Management, Uncategorized, WSVMA News

It goes without saying that a quick resolution to outstanding debts is a highly desired outcome for veterinary practices. It’s also in everyone’s best interest to ensure the debts are resolved in the right way. An ethical and customer-friendly approach can go a long way toward maintaining the customer relationship after the debt is collected. You can ensure this by being mindful of your collection partner’s approach. This can maintain relationships with your customers, protect you from legal issues, and...

Read More