Vision Statements: Industry leaders provide a look behind the curtain to discuss their company values and goals in this first-person sponsored essay series.
It is well known in the veterinary industry that non-DVM employees struggle with stressors like low pay, incomplete benefits and compassion fatigue, which ultimately leads to burnout and departure from the industry. When CareVet was founded in 2018 by Dr. Kent Thornberry and myself, we knew that establishing a network of veterinary hospitals that provide superior care to pets needed to start with providing superior care to our teams. We believe great medicine truly starts with great teams, which is why we’ve embraced a Whole Person Approach.
CareVet’s Whole Person Approach was founded with the goal of better supporting each team member’s personal and professional needs for health, support, fulfillment and advancement. We’re challenging the industry to better support the dedicated individuals that put forth incredible effort for their community, day in and day out. In early April, CareVet announced our commitment to providing a living wage (minimum of $15 per hour) to all hospital team members. This opportunity gives team members the ability to earn 25% to 40% more than the average team member salary elsewhere and, in many cases, significantly increases their income. We’re the first company in the industry to achieve this standard, but we hope we’re not the last.
As CEO, I recognize that without our team members we would not be able to provide exceptional service to our patients and clients. We’re dedicated to giving back to our teams, sharing our successes, and increasing their capacity to serve more pets and deliver unparalleled care. At CareVet, we all win together.
Our Living Wage Initiative is coupled with other industry-leading initiatives, including a revenue sharing bonus program, mental health support, continuous education, growth opportunities and best-in-class benefits. By investing back in the individuals who make up our network and bringing them opportunities that previously seemed unattainable, we help our employees feel more empowered to deliver a superior level of care to patients that their families can see and feel. Furthermore, hospital morale and culture are greatly improved, which funnels up to associates and medical directors. The results are clear: CareVet’s 91% retention rate demonstrates that this approach makes us an employer of choice.
While we are proud of how far we’ve come, we know our work is not done. CareVet is committed to leading the veterinary industry to embrace change that benefits veterinary team members in our network and beyond. If you’re interested in joining a network of veterinary hospitals that’s anchored by a deep commitment to the teams that serve our clients and patients, we would love to talk.
For More Info: carevethealth.com