Ernie Ward

Ernie Ward is a 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He started his award-winning clinic, Seaside Animal Care, in 1993 and has authored more than 65 veterinary journal articles, texts and four veterinary training videos.
As well as being a popular speaker, Ernie and his practice have received numerous awards and recognitions over the past 20 years.

June 2022

Profit vs purpose: how can we do both?

The veterinary sector continues to face numerous challenges, including vet shortages, price inflation and falling practitioner well-being, to name but a few. Against this backdrop, Ernie Ward asks how vets can continue to work effectively, and balance the necessary demands of making a profit and serving a purpose…

23 mins

March 2020

To test or not to test? That is the question

Increasing diagnostic testing is good for animal welfare and pracice profits. This is a multibillion-pound market, but are UK practices making the most of the tech and tests they have at their disposal...?

29 mins

July 2019

Brain food: the neuroscience of customer service

First-class customer service has never been more important to the modern service consumer – not least veterinary clients. It’s a vital dynamic that drives any successful practice, but, as Ernie Ward explains, to get it right you’ve got to get inside your clients’ heads...

34 mins

January 2019

Wake up and smell the coffee: why first impressions count

Focusing on four main client contact areas – exterior, interior, vibe and virtual – could make all the difference to your practice enviornment, says Dr Ernie Ward.

34 mins

July 2018

Client engagement – why you need to reach out to feel the love

Engaging and communicating with pet owners is essential if vets are going to administer consistent patient care and remain relevant as animal experts. Engagement begins with outreach, and outreach originates in need ...

37 mins

March 2018

Practice planning: build a business while avoiding growing pains

Tempted to discount? Can’t see where to tap into new revenue streams? When it comes to growing your business in the right way and at the right speed, Ernie Ward recalls he has been there, done that and got the T-shirt…

26 mins

October 2017

Pet care shaming: are we discouraging owners from seeking veterinary care?

Do we judge clients or roll our eyes at their never-ending excuses? Are we our clients’ worst enemy? Ernie Ward shares his experiences on “pet care shaming” and explains how your team can avoid inadvertently becoming a participant.

37 mins

August 2017

Game changers: making the most of your nursing team

RVNs are a key component in the delivery of modern veterinary care; however, their true potential can often be overlooked. But, as Ernie Ward explains, expanding the RVN role in your practice will always pay rich rewards.

23 mins

June 2017

Client comms: pump up the volume on your social media channels

Most practices have emerged from the dark ages, when postcards and the odd phone call were the only ways of communicating with clients. Dr Ernie Ward explains how modern methods are driving revenue growth, enhancing patient care and boosting client satisfaction.

25 mins

February 2017

The smart approach: looking at evidence for responsible antibiotic use

Ernie Ward explains how the rise of antimicrobial resistance and the development of new diagnostic tests mean you could soon be spending more time in the lab.

17 mins

September 2016

Trust me, I’m a vet – harnessing digital super-client power

Dr Ernie Ward explains what modern veterinary practices can do to promote active advocacy, create value and boost credibility in the new trust economy.

21 mins

May 2016

Data alchemy: discover why your top 20% of clients are pure gold

Too many veterinary practices lose out financially by focusing on the middle ground and chasing the ’average’ client. Here, Dr Ernie Ward explains how his discovery of data alchemy helped him find his tribe and create the perfect formula for a profitable practice.

19 mins

March 2016

Why sticking to the script could lead to 10 million deaths a year

It’s baffling to comprehend how a sniffling kitten in your clinic could contribute to killing an extra 10 million people every year by 2050. Yet, that’s exactly what’s at stake, according to the World Health Organization, the World Alliance Against Antibiotic Resistance and nearly every government on the planet.

16 mins

January 2016

Doing good while doing well – making money needs to be in your DNA

In my 26 years of veterinary practice I’ve heard the phrases “you care more about … more

17 mins

November 2015

Invasion of the Millennial pet owners: part 2 – rockin’ their...

One of the more awkward affairs to follow is an ageing heavy metal band. Bare chests, … more

17 mins

September 2015

Invasion of the Millennial pet owners: part 1 – blame it...

I was there in 1978 with all my buddies. That year marked the first blitz of … more

16 mins

July 2015

You’re going to need to build a better baby boomer strategy

One of my favourite movie scenes is from Jaws, when the men aboard the Orca finally … more

17 mins

May 2015

Cure conflict before it kills you

Misery loves company. This old adage proved painfully evident during a meeting with a veterinary … more

21 mins