Start 2026 Strong: Revisit Veterinary Practice Fundamentals To Increase Growth

Summary: As veterinary hospitals plan for 2026, a shift in revenue sources signals the need to refocus on operational fundamentals. Learn why forward scheduling, past-due follow-up, and team alignment are key to sustaining client compliance, visit volume, and long-term profitability.

As veterinary leaders reflect on 2025, one trend is clear: Revenue growth was largely due to an increase in the average client transaction (ACT) value rather than an increase in the number of invoices. This shift became more apparent as many practices began to see more white space on their appointment books.

Higher ACTs may signal improved pricing or more complex cases, but stagnant visit volume poses a risk to both patient outcomes and long-term profitability. Practices looking to grow in 2026 should refocus on the operational strategies that once supported consistent engagement and revenue.

Bring Back the Basics

In the years following COVID-19, many hospitals moved into a reactive mode. Staffing shortages and burnout contributed to the quiet erosion of workflows that support strong client compliance. Now is the time to re-establish them.

• Forward Scheduling: Booking the next appointment before the client leaves is one of the simplest and most effective ways to drive future visits and improve compliance.
• Past-Due Follow-Up: Automated reminders help, but personal outreach through calls, texts, or emails leads to better rebooking rates and stronger client relationships.
• Team Involvement: Client compliance is a team effort. From reception to technicians, every staff member plays a role in educating clients and encouraging follow-through. Clear expectations and shared goals help drive consistency.

Set Focused Goals for 2026

Start by reviewing your 2025 data:

• Have you reviewed your visit counts and ACTs?
• Are reminder response rates declining?
• Is forward scheduling happening consistently?

Use those insights to identify two or three operational priorities for the first quarter. For many practices, simply recommitting to forward scheduling, improving follow-up processes, and tracking key metrics can lead to meaningful gains.

The start of the year is an opportunity to reset expectations, reengage your team, and focus on the fundamentals that work. By strengthening the systems that drive client compliance and visit frequency, your hospital can build a more stable and profitable foundation for the year ahead.

Looking for more practical ways to strengthen your hospital’s fundamentals? Download Volume 9 of KSM’s Veterinarian’s Guide to Best Practices. You can also connect with our veterinary consulting team by filling out the form below.