Staying close to your 'paw'.

My local veterinary practice is fantastic, I love it and I think my dog even loves it! The practice is small, fresh and simple offering fair prices and top treatment. There are no dramatic window displays or pet accessories for sale (thank goodness) but they offer dog food which if you order two days in advance they will bring to your door! The vet is a well established professional with a faultless career path. He is passionate about animal medicine and is a specialist in animal behaviour. In his mid sixties the friendly practice rings of professionalism. His other members of staff consists of a practice manager and his wife, the veterinary nurse – oh and Shaggy, the gentle old resident terrier. This practice is located right off Westbourne Grove, one of London’s most popular neighbourhoods and near to both Hyde Park and Holland Park.

The rival competitor to this practice is located in another nearby neighbourhood close to one of London’s popular dog walking parks. It has been there a good few years, its window displays show off the latest pet accessories while its vast product range rivals Harrods’ pet department. There is nothing that you cannot get in there to cater for your pampered pooch or fluffy kitty, and, best of all it all comes wrapped in a bright blue and pink bag. The young staff members are good at looking after their clients and are well trained in terms of customer service being smiley, friendly and relaxed yet treatment is expensive and their medical reputation occasionally a bit hit and miss.

What I love so much about my vet is that it (unlike the other) does what it says on the can. Honest, simple and good. It is a really refreshing experience. I have never come out of that place kicking myself for picking up an unnecessary piece of dog equipment or kitten entertainment gadget but always leave feeling well treated and that I would definitely go back again. I think that is something that can be taken on board in a business. Not losing sight of your core, keeping things simple, honest to your clients and saying it exactly how it is can definitely lead to better service, higher levels of satisfaction and longer lasting customer loyalty.