Clark's Bark: The Heart that Gives, Gathers
By Dr. Andrea Johnson + Clark
Woof Woof…Hello again from Clark, your Chief Happiness Officer. I've got something really important to BARK about that I think will bring you more happiness in your life. It's probably going to embarrass my mom (you know her as Andrea or Dr. Johnson) a little but it's really important to me. I am going to ask you in advance to do one thing differently after reading my BARK today.
One of the things my mom has taught me is "a heart that gives, gathers". She strives to be a giver, and I get to gather...bellyrubs! I am, after all, The Chief Happiness Officer of PetVet365, I even have my own insta with a lot of followers. In case you think Chief Happiness Officer isn't a real thing, (PetVet365 has had one since 2019) Forbes wrote an article on the benefits of a company having a Chief Happiness Officer...yeah in 2024!
Everyone in PetVet365 is a giver. We give everyday by helping furry family members like me, and their parents live longer, healthier and happier lives. It is a balance to be sure. It's even OK to sometimes be a taker, or a matcher. My best friend at work Dr. Porter (Bev to me) is in charge of making sure we all are paying attention to our overall wellbeing because if we don't, we can get worn out by giving and it can lead to burnout or even compassion fatigue. (My other friend Mikaela Kate helps with this too). We all need to be balanced but I believe giving more than we take is the road to happiness. It's even scientific. (Check out the Brain Chemistry of Giver Psychology Today)
“While the brain is remarkably complex, the neurochemical drivers of happiness are quite easy to identify. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin make up the Happiness Trifecta. Any activity that increases the production of these neurochemicals will cause a boost in mood. It’s really that simple.”
“Helping others can take on many forms. Small repeated boosts of the Happiness Trifecta will produce the most benefit so find ways to give and to give often.”
Why be more of a giver than a taker? Adam Grant (who I follow on LinkedIn, wonder if he follows me on Facebook?) wrote a great book about this very thing Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success . A few tips from the book are below that represent what we all do (our WHY) at PetVet365 and the areas where being a giver brings us success.
People First
Recruiting -”Talented people are attracted to those who care about them.” (I get so many belly rubs in the recruiting booth and at these conferences my mom takes me).
Team Building - “It takes time for givers to build goodwill and trust, but eventually, they establish reputations and relationships that enhance their success.” “This is a defining feature of how givers collaborate: they take on the tasks that are in the group’s best interest, not necessarily their own personal interests.”
Well-being -Three decades of research show that receiving support from colleagues is a robust antidote to burnout. “Being a giver is not good for a 100-yard dash, but it’s valuable in a marathon”
Innovation
“Research by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson shows that… in a psychologically safe environment…, people learn and innovate more.* And it’s givers who often create such an environment: in one study, engineers who shared ideas without expecting anything in return were more likely to play a major role in innovation, as they made it safe to exchange information”
“research shows that givers get extra credit when they offer ideas that challenge the status quo.”
Value Creation
“This is what I find most magnetic about successful givers: they get to the top without cutting others down, finding ways of expanding the pie that benefit themselves and the people around them. Whereas success is zero-sum in a group of takers, in groups of givers, it may be true that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
“Givers advance the world. Takers advance themselves and hold the world back.”
Personalized Care
Medical Quality -“the higher the psychological safety in a unit, the fewer errors they made. Why? In the units that lacked psychological safety, health care professionals hid their errors, fearing retribution. As a result, they weren’t able to learn from their mistakes.
“Many times, you can have a bigger impact if you know what to ask, rather than knowing what to say. I don’t learn anything when I’m speaking. I learn a lot when I’m listening,”
“Having a greater impact is one of the reasons why, counterintuitive as it might seem, giving more can actually help givers avoid burnout.”
In case you want to know a few other areas I gather belly rubs, these are some of the fun things I get to do. Be your own Chief Happiness Officer by being a giver, then gather.
Love on a Leash: Mom takes me to the library to help the children feel more comfortable...we give...I gather belly rubs. We also go to several different assisted living facilities. Sometimes those people look lonely, but not when I come in the door ! We even helped in national disasters and sadly national crises through her involvement with Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response.
Wags and belly rubs,
Clark
Associate DVM Meeting Recap
At the end of last year, we hosted an incredible Associate DVM Virtual Event with Royal Canin and Vespecon—expertly led by the one and only Dr. Amy Voss!
In just four hours, we packed in a ton of valuable insights, covering everything from online pharmacy efficiency and the foundations of a healthy hospital to neuro diseases, pricing strategies, and essential housekeeping updates.
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
Royal Canin: Maximizing Your Online Pharmacy
Jesse White from Royal Canin shared expert tips on leveraging auto-ship and home delivery options to optimize our online pharmacies. By setting up product subscriptions, we can generate consistent revenue and cut down on call volume—talk about a win-win! Less hassle, more income. Got questions? Dr. Voss has you covered!
PetVet365 Business Sessions: The Secrets to a Healthy Hospital & Smart Pricing
Our business sessions dove deep into what it really takes to maintain a thriving hospital and set sustainable pricing. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just the basics! Every expense counts—from shared spaces and landscaping to insurance and the many hands involved in patient care. When you zoom out and see the full picture, it’s pretty eye-opening!
Vespecon: 5 Neuro Diseases Every DVM Should Know
Lauren Tufts and Dr. Randy Cross from Vespecon walked us through five key neuro diseases: IVDD, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Idiopathic Vestibular Disease, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Fibrocartilaginous Embolism. If you missed the session, reach out to Dr. Voss for the full recording.
A huge shoutout to Dr. Voss for putting together this fantastic event! We hope all our Associate DVMs walked away with fresh insights and inspiration. Until next time!
2025 Benefit Updates
For full-time team members, Petvet365 has added a pet bereavement day, recognizing the unique bond between pet owners and our furry friends. Additionally, we’re introducing a floating holiday, to replace Easter, offering more flexibility for you to take time off and recharge when it’s most needed.
If you have any questions, you can review the policies in our team member handbook (found in Paycom or the University) or reach out to HR@petvet365.com.
W-2:
This serves as an important update regarding your W-2 for your 2024 tax filing.
Use only your PAYCOM W-2; DO NOT USE your Paycor W-2. Your PAYCOM W-2 is available to you on the PAYCOM website. We also mailed your PAYCOM W-2 to you, unless you elected to only receive it electronically.
If your Paycor W-2 is pre-populated in your tax software or your tax preparer’s software, Delete it. DO NOT include the Paycor W-2 in your tax filing.
MUST DO! Indicate in your tax filing that you will have a W-2C, which is a corrected W-2. (Your PAYCOM W-2 has the correct information; however, we will need to correct the information that was erroneously submitted by Paycor.)
Have questions? Email HR@petvet365.com
COBRA provider
We’ve recently transitioned to Paycom as our COBRA provider. You may have received an initial notice about this change in the mail. Please note, no action is required on your part at this time – the notice was simply to inform you of the update and your rights under COBRA if you become eligible. Questions? Reach out to HR@petvet365.com
VMX 2025 Recap: "Recharge" Was Electric!
Well, it started with a heartfelt keynote speech from Kevin Costner on the importance of pets as beloved members of our families (preach on, Kevin!), and never slowed down! With around 30,000 veterinary professionals from nearly 90 countries, we truly experienced several amazing days at VMX in Orlando. Our recruiting team all got together for the first time in person, many of our leadership team joined us in the booth, and several Pod Owners and PetVet365 doctors visited us to help spread the word! We got to interact with puppies, kittens, baby goats, armadillos, capybaras, and plenty of humans. Our team spoke to nearly 2000 people over three days - with Clark (Chief of Happiness) being our best mascot and the perfect furry magnet to bring people in to chat with us (don’t worry - he got pup cups in exchange for his hard work).
With our theme of “Recharge”, we handed out thousands of branded power banks, various snacks and drinks, tote bags, and encouraged all our new friends to “Recharge your phone; recharge yourself; and recharge your career with PetVet365!” We were especially excited that the power banks created a buzz - by day 2, people were seeking us out by name to find where to get one, and of course, spend some time learning about us. We were also able to represent PetVet365 in a panel discussion about veterinary business education and how to best support our veterinarians in business growth - a topic very important to us all.
Since we’ve returned home, we’ve had a number of veterinarians, students, technicians, and support staff reach out - impressed with our People First mission, our Fear Free hospitals, and our vision of changing veterinary medicine for good! See ya in 2026, VMX!
Barketing Corner: Pup Cup Magic
To win new pets, PetVet365’s challenge is to be front of mind when a pet needs a vet visit. Sometimes our marketing message arrives at the perfect time sparking an appointment. However, most often we plant seeds and build brand awareness leading to a future visit. Pup Cups are designed to elevate awareness and build appreciation for the PetVet365 brand...leading to new pets.
The “Rule of 7”
Ballpark impressions for a brand to become memorable
Hopefully PetVet365 Pup Cup sit on a prospective client's kitchen counter for days … increasing the impressions
Referral partners and their teams who pass out our cups will see and touch our brand possibly hundreds of times
Hopefully some pet owners receive a Pup Cup each month cementing PetVet365 brand awareness
Context Matters for Impression Strength
Providing a gift (pet treats) makes a stronger impression and creates goodwill
Meeting a PetVet365 team member enhances a great impression
Pup Cups should hit hard and make a bigger impression than other tactics
Westminster Gallery Wall
Located in the Westminster break room is a gallery of floppy ears, cuddles, naps, big smiles, and even a few memes—what makes this wall even better is the fact it’s a collection of photos showcasing the team's current and past pets. Including Ophelia and Titan, Dr. Hilliard and Dr. Tan's recently passed sweet fur babies.
When talking with Dr. Hilliard, she mentioned that what separates this break room and this wall from other vet offices she’s worked at is the fact that it’s a culmination of the team. The team created this, they wanted a way to share their beloved pets with everyone and vice versa. And they’ve made it affordable! Every frame is from the local thrift store making it an inexpensive way to connect and add some extra character into the room with miscellaneous frame designs.
The final touch—before new staff members join the team, the Westy team prints and hangs their pet photos in the break room to show that they’re already a part of the team.
Lexington Children's Museum Exhibit
PetVet365 is bringing a tail-wagging good time to the Lexington Children’s Museum! 🐱🐶✨ At Richmond Road's veterinary-themed pop-up, kiddos can dive into the world of pet care—playing with stuffed animals that look just like the pets we see every day and getting hands-on with some of the very tools our vets use. It’s all the fun of being a vet, minus the pet fur everywhere! 😜
PetVet365 Irving x Nimitz High School Veterinary Sciences Program
Dr. Ervin-Smith was out and about spreading the word about PetVet365 Dallas/Irving and building lasting relationships with our referral partners. Starting with Nimitz High School and their Veterinary Sciences program. She stopped by Canine Companions to share some goodies for the wonderful team that provides service dogs to adults, veterans, and children. We are looking forward to being the Fear Free™ Certified Practice partner for All Dogs Unleashed in Carrollton! Way to go Dr. Ervin-Smith! 🎉✨
Head to Tails with Dr. Jennifer Moon
Role: PetVet365 Leander Owner
Tell us about your pets: I have one Boston terrier named Kermit. He is 8 years old and is scared of everything and only likes to be at home on the couch :)
Best Thing about PetVet365: The freedom to choose! I love the 9-5 work day as well- huge when you have 2 young children. I also love the relationship that I have with my pod leader Dr. Pam.
What do you do daily that brings you joy: My children bring me joy so spending time with them.
Favorite indulgence: I have a sweet tooth so anything from chocolate chip cookies to ice cream.
What do you want people to know about you: I love all things arts and crafts- I taught myself how to crochet my senior year of college!
Something you would like to give to others: A day off with no responsibilities - wouldn’t that be nice?! And a million dollars.
Head to Tails with Thomas Jones
Role: CFO
Tell us about your pets: I grew up on a farm. My first dog was a blue heeler / dingo mix named Tomba.
Best Thing about PetVet365: For me, I think the people first mission of PetVet365 is very compelling. It’s meaningful to work every day trying to bring that vision to life.
What do you do daily that brings you joy: I’m pretty introverted, so it’s important for me to find a little quiet time every day. I enjoy sitting in a chair before my kids wake up and taking time to be grateful. I also enjoy journaling and reading.
Favorite indulgence: Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream or ice cream and brownies.
What do you want people to know about you: I care. A company our size has lots of challenges and growing pains. I care about the challenges that you’re dealing with and I want to help be a part of the solution.
Something you would like to give to others: I don’t pretend that I have a lot to contribute. But, ideally I hope that I can be someone who is willing and interested in listening to the challenges that people are having and someone who can help brainstorm solutions to those problems.
Celebrations
We had four locations open recently! Eagle Creek, Leander, Terminal, and South Hills are all officially open and seeing pets! 🎉🥳✨
Marketing
When’s the last time you checked your Google reviews?! ⭐️
Don’t let valuable Google reviews slip through the cracks! Regularly checking your reviews means you can quickly address any concerns and celebrate the wins by sharing positive feedback with your team. It’s an easy way to stay on top of your clinic’s reputation—and maybe even snag a feel-good moment in your day!
To brush up on Google Reviews tips, check out the Google Tips & Tricks Guide. 📚
What’s the deal with the New Pet Sources sheet? 🤔
You’ve probably seen this around your desk or in the back when checking out clients—but have you ever wondered why it’s there?
It’s for us, the marketing team, to track how new pets are coming through the door at each location. This helps us measure the success of marketing campaigns, gauge the effectiveness of partnerships, analyze referral percentages, and more!
It’s not just about numbers—it’s about helping you, too. If we notice one source bringing in significantly more clients than others, we can adjust our strategies to keep things balanced and continue growing our top referral sources.
Ultimately, this is a way for us to better serve our clients and to best support you. So please please don’t forget to ask new clients how they heard about us! 😊
Hospital Pupdates
Our very own Dr. Marino was recently in India representing USA for the 2025 Kho Kho World Cup! Way to go, Marino # 9!
Blankenbaker celebrated National Golden Retriever Day at Club K9 Dog Bar
Have you ever seen a National Peanut Butter Day post look this good?! Shoutout to our Jeffersontown team for this artwork!
Valentine's Day was full of wet kisses in all our hospitals!
Open Forums
Don’t forget about our Monthly Open Forums. These are 30-minute calls scheduled every month for you to ask all of your questions and provide feedback. Upcoming Topics:
March: Training / Education
April: Fear Free
May: Recruiting
Monthly: HR
Recruiting Calendar: March
Memes of the Month
Shoutout to our Westminster team for this one!
Quote of the Month
Comments