January is rarely a gentle month in veterinary practice.

The festive period is over, routines return, and suddenly the phones feel relentless. Clients are worried, finances are tight, teams are tired, and the emotional weight of conversations seems heavier than usual.

For reception teams in particular, January can feel overwhelming. Phones ringing constantly, messages to pass on, appointments to juggle, difficult conversations to manage, all while trying to support clinical teams and keep the day running smoothly.

When demand outpaces capacity

In many practices, January highlights a familiar challenge. Demand increases, but capacity does not. Teams may be short staffed, working reduced hours, or supporting flexible and hybrid working patterns. Every unanswered call can feel like another small pressure point.

Reception and admin teams often carry the emotional load of the practice. They are the first point of contact for worried clients and the bridge between clients and clinicians. When phones are busy and time is limited, that pressure can quickly build.

Supporting teams protects patient care

Looking after your team is not just about wellbeing. It directly impacts patient care and client experience.

When calls are answered promptly and calmly, clients feel reassured. When messages are taken accurately and passed on efficiently, clinicians can focus on clinical decision making. When reception teams are not constantly firefighting, they can work more confidently and sustainably.

Support does not always mean doing more internally. Sometimes it means recognising when extra help is needed.

A flexible layer of support when it matters most

At Kernow Vets Messaging, we work as a dedicated veterinary answering service, supporting practices during busy periods, out of hours, or whenever teams need an extra layer of support.

Our call agents understand the veterinary environment. They handle calls with empathy, follow practice protocols, and ensure messages are delivered promptly and accurately. We are not here to replace practice teams, but to support them when the phones never seem to stop.

January is often the month when practices reassess what is working and what needs strengthening. Putting reliable communication support in place can ease pressure, protect teams, and improve consistency for clients.

Starting the year with support, not strain

January sets the tone for the months ahead. Supporting your team early in the year can make a meaningful difference to morale, communication, and patient care.

If you would like to explore how Kernow Vets Messaging can support your practice during busy periods, we would be happy to talk.

Because good communication supports good care.

Since 2019, we’ve supported Dignipets’ growth from a three-vet mobile end of life practice to a growing nationwide network serving the UK, here’s how we made it possible.

About Dignipets: completing the circle of care

Dignipets is a group mobile veterinary practices specializing in in-home hospice and end-of-life care for pets across England. Their team of mobile veterinary professionals understands that for many elderly or ill pets, traveling to a clinic can be stressful, painful, or simply impractical.

Why this matters:

When families face the most difficult decisions about their beloved pets, Dignipets provides compassionate care in the comfort of home. They even offer online hospice consultations via video call, reducing stress for both pets and their families during these challenging times.

When veterinary professionals are busy

• They guarantee continuity of care when you’re unavailable
• Offer your clients and patients a calm, stress-free option in a more familiar, comfortable setting
• Trust that your reputation is upheld with empathy and professionalism
• They focus solely on end-of-life care, so your goodwill stays exactly where it belongs

The Challenge: 24/7 Availability Without Burnout

Before partnering with us, Dignipets faced a critical operational challenge:

• Three vets, three phone numbers: Each veterinarian had their own direct line, making them accessible to clients around the clock
• No call filtering: Vets handled everything from genuine emergencies to routine inquiries and nuisance calls
• Constant interruptions: Staff couldn’t switch off, leading to burnout and work-life balance issues
• Immediate response requirement: Given the nature of their service, every client needed to speak with a human being immediately—no exceptions

While their commitment to accessibility was admirable, it was unsustainable for their growing practice.

The Solution: Centralized Communication with Human Touch

What We Implemented

1. Single Central Number

• Sourced and set up one professional contact point
• Managed the complete phone system transition
• Ensured seamless call routing across all service areas

2. Professional Call Handling

• Immediate human response to every call
• Compassionate, trained staff who understand the sensitive nature of end-of-life pet care
• Integration with Dignipets’ client management system

3. Intelligent Call Filtering

• Emergency calls routed directly to the appropriate on-call veterinarian
• Non-urgent inquiries handled by our team
• Quick quotes provided without involving veterinary staff
• Nuisance calls filtered out entirely

The Results

For the Veterinary Team:

• Restored work-life balance with protected off-call time
• Elimination of nuisance calls and inappropriate interruptions
• More time to focus on patient care and business development

For Pet Carers:

• Immediate human response during distressing situations
• No waiting through automated systems or hold music
• Appropriate routing to the right professional for their needs

For the Business:

• Growth from 3 to  a growing nationwide network
• Expanded service area across the Midlands
• Ability to help significantly more pets and families
• Professional image with centralized communication

Client Testimonial

“As a small mobile veterinary practice that provides 24/7 end-of-life veterinary care, Dignipets has been using Kernow for a few years with excellent results. Having Kernow’s support means more sleep for our on-call team, with the peace of mind that even the most distressed pet owners receive a discerning, empathetic response. Kernow provided us with a dedicated account manager who grows with the account and knows your business, and its people, inside and out. I highly recommend this service!”

What’s Next?

We’re currently developing an advanced switchboard system for Dignipets that will:

• Direct calls to specific team members (nurses, practice managers) based on inquiry type
• Reduce wait times for urgent visit requests
• Further streamline their communication processes

This next phase will continue improving their service delivery while maintaining the human-centered approach that makes Dignipets special.

Is Your Practice Facing Similar Challenges?

If your veterinary practice struggles with:

• Managing after-hours communication
• Staff burnout from constant interruptions
• Balancing accessibility with work-life balance
• Professional call handling during sensitive situations

Get in touch to discover how we can help you improve your communication processes. Give your team their work-life balance back while ensuring your clients receive the compassionate, immediate response they deserve.

Most veterinary practices pride themselves on being welcoming, caring, and client-focused. But here’s a question worth asking: is your communication style truly inclusive? 

We’re not just talking about being friendly at the front desk or replying quickly to emails. We’re talking about the deeper stuff, how your practice’s communication systems either open the door for clients or unintentionally shut some of them out. 

In a world where expectations are changing and client needs are more diverse than ever, communication can no longer be one-size-fits-all. 

What does “inclusive communication” actually mean? 

Inclusive communication means creating multiple, accessible ways for clients to get the support they need, no matter their background, ability, language, or comfort level. 

It means recognising that not everyone can (or wants to) call the practice between 9 and 5. That some people freeze up during phone calls. That others feel embarrassed asking questions in person. And that for many, typing out their concerns feels far less stressful than saying them out loud. 

Inclusivity isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about removing the small, unspoken barriers that can stop clients from reaching out at all. 

Spot the hidden hurdles 

Start by taking a step back and asking: who might be struggling to access our care without ever telling us? 

• Clients with anxiety or social discomfort 

• Neurodivergent individuals who find phone calls overwhelming 

• People working long or unpredictable hours 

• Those who are hard of hearing or have speech differences 

• Clients with English as a second language who need time to process 

• Parents managing young children or busy households 

• Anyone afraid of “wasting your time” or “asking a silly question” 

None of these clients want to neglect their pet’s health. But if the only option is a rushed or intimidating phone call, many may choose to wait… or not reach out at all. 

Making communication more inclusive, small shifts that make a big difference 

You don’t need to overhaul your entire practice to be more inclusive. Often, the smallest changes create the most impact. 

Here are some starting points: 

1. Offer more than one way in 

• Phone, email, web chat, in-person, let clients choose what works best for them. 

• Live chat can be especially helpful for clients who need time to think or prefer written conversation. 

2. Use clear, kind language 

• Avoid jargon where possible. 

• Keep explanations simple and check understanding. 

• Normalise questions, let clients know it’s okay to ask anything, even if it feels small.

3. Give clients time and space 

• Not every interaction needs to be instant. Some clients benefit from being able to read, reflect, and respond in their own time. 

4. Create a welcoming culture 

• Train staff to spot signs of communication struggles. 

• Encourage team members to be patient, empathetic, and adaptable. 

• Remind clients that they don’t need to apologise for asking for help. 

Real inclusivity means offering a seat at the table 

Inclusive communication isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a reflection of the kind of care you provide, compassionate, personalised, and accessible. 

Some clients will always pick up the phone. Others might never feel comfortable doing so. But every client deserves to be heard and supported in a way that works for them. 

The good news? You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can offer options. You can build flexibility into your systems. And you can start now, with whatever tools you have. 

Because inclusive communication isn’t just about convenience. 
It’s about kindness, equity, and trust. 

And when clients feel safe, respected, and understood, everyone wins, pets, owners, and practice teams alike. 

Are Veterinary Practices Keeping Up with Changing Client Expectations?

The way pet owners communicate is evolving. In today’s fast-paced, digital world, clients expect convenience—and that includes how they interact with their veterinary practice. While phone calls have traditionally been the go-to method, they’re no longer the only (or preferred) option for many pet owners.

Long wait times, busy phone lines, and inconvenient call hours can make it difficult for clients to reach their practice when they need to. As a result, many veterinary teams are exploring alternative communication channels to meet client expectations without adding extra strain on their staff.

Why Veterinary Clients Want More Digital Communication Options

In everyday life, people are used to messaging businesses rather than calling—whether it’s using WhatsApp, live chat on websites, or social media DMs. The same shift is happening in veterinary practices, with more clients preferring digital interactions over phone calls.

There are many reasons for this:

• Busy schedules – Clients want quick answers while juggling work, family, and other commitments.
• Phone anxiety – Some pet owners feel uncomfortable making calls and would rather type their queries.
• Accessibility needs – Web chat is an easier option for clients with hearing impairments, speech difficulties, or neurodivergent conditions.
• Convenience – Many people browse vet websites outside of normal hours, looking for advice or to book appointments.

How Live Web Chat Can Help

To improve accessibility and customer service, more veterinary practices are introducing live web chat as an additional way for clients to get in touch. Unlike chatbots, which offer automated responses, a live web chat service connects pet owners with real people who can answer their questions in real-time.

The Benefits of Web Chat for Veterinary Practices

✅ Reduces phone call volume – Freeing up receptionists to focus on in-practice clients.
✅ Improves efficiency – Quick responses to routine queries mean less admin for the team.
✅ Enhances accessibility – Making it easier for all clients to contact the practice.
✅ Supports out-of-hours engagement – Capturing new clients who browse online in the evening.

Does your practice already offer online booking? Web chat is a natural extension of this, helping clients who have questions before booking or who need additional support.

The Key to Digital Communication: Keeping It Personal

Introducing web chat doesn’t mean replacing personal client relationships—it’s about enhancing them. Pet owners want reassurance from a real person, especially when they’re worried about their pet.

By using a live, professionally managed web chat service, practices can ensure:

• Real-time, personalised responses – No frustrating automated answers.
• Consistent, high-quality communication – With trained veterinary professionals responding to queries.
• A seamless client experience – Keeping the practice’s tone and values at the heart of every conversation.

By offering multiple communication options, practices can ensure all clients feel supported, whether they prefer calling, chatting online, or booking through the website.

Future-Proofing Veterinary Client Communication

Veterinary teams are busier than ever, and finding ways to improve efficiency without sacrificing client care is key. Digital communication tools—when used correctly—can help practices provide better service while reducing workload.

If your practice is considering web chat, ask yourself:

✔️ Are we offering a range of communication options to suit different client needs?
✔️ Could web chat help us reduce call volume and improve efficiency?
✔️ How can we integrate digital tools without losing the personal touch that makes our practice special?

Veterinary client expectations are changing, and practices that adapt will be better positioned to provide exceptional service, reduce stress on their team, and future-proof their communication strategy.

Want to find out how live web chat could benefit your practice? Get in touch today!

The start of a new year brings the perfect opportunity for reflection, growth, and setting new goals. For veterinary practices, the turn of the calendar is a time to look at the previous year’s achievements and challenges, and think about how to build on them for even greater success in 2025.

At Kernow Vets Messaging, we believe in the power of positive change and continuous improvement. That’s why we’re here to help you create a year filled with enhanced efficiency, better client service, and stronger support for your team. Here are some ways we can help your practice start the year on the right foot:

Reflecting on the Past Year: What Went Well and What Can Be Improved?

The beginning of the year is always a great time to reflect on your practice’s achievements and challenges. What worked well? Did you manage to keep the practice running smoothly during busy periods? How did you handle those unexpected calls or difficult situations? It’s also a time to think about where you could improve, whether that’s in communication, client service, or your internal processes.

If your practice faced challenges such as missed calls, overwhelmed reception teams, or the pressures of managing lone worker safety, it’s important to address these areas early on to ensure a smoother year ahead. Here’s how Kernow Vets Messaging can help:

1. Improved Client Communication: Never Miss a Call Again

One of the most common pain points for veterinary practices is missing calls, especially during busy periods when staff are occupied with patients. This can lead to missed appointments, lost business opportunities, and frustrated clients.

In 2025, make it your goal to never miss a call again. With our 24/7 call handling service, you can ensure that every call, whether it’s an emergency or a general enquiry, is answered promptly and professionally. We act as an extension of your team, so your clients always feel valued, even when you’re at your busiest.

2. Lone Worker Safety: Prioritise Your Team’s Wellbeing

As the year begins, it’s essential to think about how you’re prioritising the safety and wellbeing of your team members. For veterinary practices, lone working, especially during off-hours or in remote locations, can pose significant risks.

This year, make a commitment to enhancing your lone worker safety protocols. With our Lone Worker Service, your team will have regular check-ins and access to immediate support if needed. This not only helps keep your staff safe, but also gives your practice peace of mind knowing that help is always just a call away.

3. Optimise Your Team’s Efficiency: Outsource Reception Duties

For many practices, keeping costs down while maintaining high service standards is a constant balancing act. One way to optimise your practice’s efficiency is by outsourcing your reception duties to a reliable service that can support your team, especially during peak times.

Our flexible call handling service can step in when your team is busy or when you’re short-staffed. Whether it’s managing overflow calls, scheduling appointments, or handling out-of-hours calls, we help your practice run like a well-oiled machine, without the added expense of full-time reception staff.

4. Set New Goals for Your Practice in 2025

The New Year is the perfect time to set new goals and challenges for your practice. Perhaps you want to increase your revenue, streamline your operations, or improve client satisfaction. Whatever your goals may be, having the right support in place is essential to achieving them.

At Kernow Vets Messaging, we’re committed to supporting your practice’s goals by offering tailored solutions that align with your unique needs. Whether it’s improving client communication, enhancing staff safety, or freeing up your team to focus on what matters most, we’re here to help you thrive in 2025.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As you plan for the year ahead, think about how you can build a foundation for long-term success. By addressing the challenges you faced last year and committing to improvements, you can set your practice up for a smoother, more profitable year.

With Kernow Vets Messaging by your side, you’ll have the tools and support to handle whatever comes your way. Here’s to a successful, stress-free 2025!

Burnout in the veterinary profession is a growing concern, driven by long hours, emotional stress and heavy workloads. These pressures are taking a toll on vets and their staff, leading to exhaustion and reduced job satisfaction. While the demands of veterinary care are inevitable, there are effective strategies to mitigate burnout and enhance work–life balance, helping to preserve the well-being of those dedicated to caring for our animals.

Understanding Burnout in Veterinary Practices

Burnout is a significant issue in the veterinary profession, affecting a large portion of the workforce. Over 50% of veterinarians report moderate to high levels of burnout, making it a widespread concern. It’s not just vets who are impacted; vet nurses also face high levels of stress and moral distress. A 2021 study by the British Veterinary Association revealed that 74% of vets are very concerned about burnout in the profession, with 67% specifically worried about burnout among their direct colleagues. This underscores the urgent need to address burnout across all levels of veterinary practice.

Symptoms of Burnout:

Burnout manifests in several ways, with common symptoms including physical and emotional exhaustion, where individuals feel drained and unable to cope with the demands of their job. Vets and their staff may experience decreased job satisfaction, losing the passion that initially drew them to the profession. Feelings of cynicism or detachment from their work and patients are also prevalent, leading to a sense of hopelessness and reduced empathy. These symptoms not only affect the individual’s well-being but can also ripple through the entire practice, impacting overall morale and patient care.

Consequences of Burnout:

The consequences of burnout in veterinary practices are profound and far-reaching. On an individual level, burnout can lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover rates, and a decline in the quality of care provided to patients. Emotional exhaustion often results in strained customer relations, as burnt-out staff struggle to maintain empathy and patience with clients. Moreover, burnout increases the risk of mistakes in patient care, as attention to detail wanes. The sector already suffers from higher-than-average suicide rates, and burnout exacerbates this risk, making it a critical issue that needs addressing to protect the mental health of veterinary professionals.

Specific Challenges:

Veterinary practices face several unique challenges that contribute to burnout. Handling calls during non-working hours adds significant stress, as it interrupts personal time and prevents proper rest. Dealing with difficult clients, particularly those who are unable to pay for treatment and face tough decisions like euthanasia, adds emotional strain to an already demanding job. Public perceptions of veterinary work, often shaped by idealised TV shows like “All Creatures Great and Small”, do not reflect reality. Vets in small practices frequently see back-to-back patients with only about 15 minutes per animal, working 10-hour days under constant pressure to provide high-quality care, all of which contribute to the growing problem of burnout.

How Telephone Answering Services Can Help

A telephone answering service manages incoming calls for businesses, ensuring that no inquiry goes unanswered. Kernow Vets Messaging specializes in veterinary call support, understanding the unique demands of the profession and tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of veterinary practices.

Alleviating Pressure with Kernow Vets Messaging

Kernow Vets Messaging alleviates the pressure on vets by handling routine and after-hours calls, allowing veterinary professionals to focus on their primary duties without constant interruptions. By managing these calls, Kernow ensures that vets can maintain their focus during consultations and procedures, improving patient care and reducing stress.

What our vets say:

“Gives me the peace of mind to sleep knowing if I did sleep through the phone, you would eventually call someone else.”

After-Hours Support

Having after-hours support through Kernow Vets Messaging is crucial for reducing burnout. It ensures that vets can rest and recharge without the worry of missing critical calls. By taking over during non-working hours, Kernow allows vets to disconnect, which is essential for maintaining mental and physical health, ultimately reducing the risk of burnout.

What our vets say:

“It is a massive help for us during the night to have someone else gather the clients’ details. This gives us time to wake up before we have to speak to the client and provide advice to them. It also really helps when we are busy dealing with other emergencies that someone is taking the clients’ details.”

Call Filtering

Kernow Vets Messaging’s ability to filter calls is a significant asset for veterinary practices. By working closely with each practice to develop detailed escalation processes, Kernow ensures that non-urgent inquiries are handled appropriately, allowing vets to prioritise their workload effectively. In cases where the primary on-call vet is unavailable, Kernow’s robust systems ensure that emergency calls are still directed to the appropriate person, guaranteeing that no critical situation is overlooked and reducing the burden on veterinary staff.

Prioritising Well-Being in Veterinary Practices

Using a professional answering service like Kernow Vets Messaging can significantly reduce burnout in veterinary practices by managing the time-consuming and stressful task of call handling. This allows vets to focus on their core responsibilities and enjoy better work–life balance, ultimately enhancing patient care.

Veterinary practices should consider outsourcing their call handling to Kernow Vets Messaging as a proactive step to reduce burnout and improve the overall well-being of their staff, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

Veterinary practices are busier than ever, making it challenging to answer every call right away. That’s why we created our Overflow Service!

How Does the Kernow Vets Messaging Overflow Service Work?

When your team is unable to answer an incoming call, it redirects to our team after just a few rings. Our experienced staff, available day and night, answers the calls seamlessly, ensuring your customers never know they’ve been redirected. We gather all necessary details and email your practice, prioritising calls so you can respond to the most urgent ones first.

Customised to Your Needs

We collaborate with you to ensure our service aligns with your processes, providing a consistent customer experience. We can even book appointments directly if you prefer.

Emergency Calls

For urgent cases, our team responds promptly, ensuring no pets in need of immediate care are left waiting. We establish escalation protocols with you, ensuring the right team member is notified instantly.

Enhancing Customer Care

When customers call your practice, they’re often concerned about their pets. Long wait times can increase their stress and frustration. With our service, every call is answered promptly, providing a calming and supportive experience. This means no more frustrated customers and fewer complaints.

Why Choose Kernow Vets Messaging?

Our UK-based team specialises in veterinary calls, providing continuous training to ensure high-quality service. We help reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction, making customers more likely to return and recommend your practice.

If your practice struggles with long wait times and customer care complaints, we can help. Contact us today to see how our overflow service can support you.

Kernow Vets Messaging – The Ultimate Call Overflow Service for Veterinary Clinics

Running a veterinary practice can be both rewarding and challenging. While providing exceptional care for animals is the primary focus, various operational obstacles can hinder the smooth functioning of a clinic. From managing after-hours calls to handling high call volumes, veterinary practices face unique challenges that require efficient solutions. In this article, we will explore these challenges and demonstrate how dedicated answering services can effectively address them, allowing veterinarians to provide exceptional care to their furry patients.

Managing After-Hours Calls

One of the primary challenges veterinary clinics face is managing after-hours calls. Pets don’t adhere to regular business hours; emergencies can happen anytime. It can be overwhelming for veterinary staff to handle these urgent calls outside regular working hours. An answering service specialising in veterinary practices can offer 24/7 availability, ensuring pet owners receive the attention and guidance they need, even during evenings, weekends, and holidays. This immediate response helps ease the stress and anxiety of pet owners while demonstrating the clinic’s commitment to exceptional care.

Handling High Call Volumes

Veterinary practices often experience high call volumes, especially during peak hours or in busy urban areas. An active phone line can result in frustrated clients, missed calls, and even potential loss of business. An answering service can efficiently handle these high call volumes by providing trained professionals to answer calls promptly and courteously. By offering a friendly and professional voice on the other end of the line, an answering service can ensure that no call goes unanswered and that clients feel valued and attended to.

Call Filtering and Urgent Care Assistance

In a veterinary clinic, some calls may require immediate attention, while others can be addressed during regular office hours. Answering services trained in veterinary care can help with call filtering by identifying urgent cases and dispatching on-call veterinarians accordingly. This ensures that critical issues receive prompt attention while reducing the burden on the clinic’s staff during non-emergency hours. Such services can give pet owners peace of mind, knowing their concerns are being taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Keeping Their Team Safe

Just as veterinary practices prioritise the health and well-being of animals, ensuring the safety of their dedicated team is equally crucial. Veterinary professionals often find themselves making calls to customers outside of regular clinic hours. These off-site visits can sometimes involve unpredictable situations. Our lone worker management service offers a comprehensive solution to ensure the safety of lone workers during these off-site interactions. By utilising our service, veterinary professionals can check in and out safely when conducting off-site duties, knowing that help is readily available if needed.

Maintaining Professional Image

Maintaining a professional image is essential for veterinary practices. However, with a busy schedule, it can be challenging for the clinic’s staff to consistently answer calls with the necessary professionalism and courtesy. An answering service can be an extension of the clinic’s team, ensuring that every call is handled professionally. They can follow specific protocols, address clients by name, and provide accurate information about services, pricing, and clinic policies. By projecting a polished and professional image, answering services help veterinary practices build trust and credibility with their clients.

Running a veterinary practice comes with its own challenges, but these obstacles can be overcome with the right solutions. Answering services tailored explicitly to veterinary practices offer invaluable support by addressing common pain points clinics face. From managing after-hours calls to handling high call volumes, these services provide a range of benefits.

In today’s competitive landscape, veterinary practices must leverage every opportunity to stand out and provide exceptional service. By partnering with a dedicated answering service, clinics can overcome common challenges, enhance client experiences, and establish themselves as reliable and trusted healthcare providers.

Remember, the well-being of animals is at the heart of every veterinary practice. By alleviating administrative burdens and providing round-the-clock support, answering services enable veterinarians to focus on what they do best – ensuring the health and happiness of our beloved furry companions.

Veterinary conferences offer invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and professional growth. To ensure you make the most of your time at these events and emerge unscathed, here’s a comprehensive survival guide packed with tips and tricks:

1. Plan Your Schedule:

Before diving into the conference frenzy, take a moment to review the agenda. Identify the talks, workshops, and presentations that align with your interests and professional goals. Craft a schedule that allows you to attend the sessions that matter most to you. Additionally, note down any networking events or social gatherings you’d like to join.

2. Arrive Early:

Beat the rush and arrive early. This gives you ample time to familiarise yourself with the venue, locate the session rooms, and grab a coffee before the action begins. Arriving early also allows you to avoid the stress of running late and ensures a calm start to your conference experience.

3. Prebook Meetings:

Don’t leave networking to chance. Reach out to contacts you’d like to connect with and schedule meetings in advance. Whether it’s a potential collaborator or a mentor you admire, having prebooked meetings ensures you make the most of your face-to-face interactions and maximise your networking opportunities.

4. Dress Comfortably and Confidently:

Choose attire that strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and comfort. Opt for comfortable shoes to withstand long periods of standing and walking. Feeling confident in your outfit will boost your mood and make networking interactions more enjoyable.

5. Stay Fed and Hydrated:

With packed schedules and back-to-back sessions, it’s easy to forget about basic needs like food and water. Keep yourself energised by packing nutritious snacks and staying hydrated throughout the day. A water bottle and some healthy nibbles will keep you going strong.

6. Don’t Forget the Freebies:

Embrace your inner magpie and keep an eye out for freebies! Exhibitors often offer samples, swag bags, and quirky giveaways at their booths. From useful gadgets to adorable plush toys, there’s something for everyone. Just be mindful of packing light to accommodate your newfound treasures.

7. Engage and Network:

Don’t be a wallflower—dive into the networking pool! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees during breaks or at networking events. Remember, networking is more than just swapping business cards—it’s about building genuine connections and fostering professional relationships.

8. Reflect and Follow Up:

After the conference wraps up, take some time to reflect on your experience. Review your notes, identify key takeaways, and set actionable goals for implementing what you’ve learned into your practice. Additionally, don’t forget to follow up with any new contacts you’ve made to maintain connections and explore potential collaborations.

Attending a veterinary conference can be a whirlwind experience. By following these tips and tricks, you can navigate the conference landscape with ease, maximise your learning opportunities, and emerge as a conference survival expert!