Embracing TechnologyAnother area that we feel we have made tremendous improvement is with our use of computers and technology. Our new computers and software allow us to have more efficient access to your pets medical history. As we transition to a more computer-based system of medical record keeping, we expect more improvement in this department.Also with our new computer system, you can now access certain parts of your pets medical history and communicate with us online. With your very own Pet Portal, you can check and see when your pets next exam or vaccinations are due and receive an email reminder, request an appointment or prescription refill, and email us questions or progress reports about your pet, all 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Of course, anything urgent should be handled by calling the office during office hours. Don’t have a pet portal yet? Just give us your email address, and we can sign you up.Always GrowingWhen we first acquired the practice, we put a huge amount of our energy into remodeling the facade and reception area. For example, we updated our reception counter to be accessible for persons with disabilities. We also installed a fish tank with hopes that it will add a sense of tranquility for our nervous pets while they wait (and something fun for your little ones, and you, to check out).More recently, we completely renovated our dog boarding area. Although the space was completely functional before the remodeling, it was dated and unattractive. We have since replaced the barriers between the kennels and provided raised bench areas for pets to sleep off of the floor. New ceiling fans aid in air circulation and energy efficiency. The updated hardware for the kennels make them safer and easier to keep clean. And, of course, it’s amazing how much a new paint job improves the ambiance of the room.Giving BackIn our effort to do our part for the environment, we had all of our lighting retrofitted with more energy efficient bulbs and ballasts. After making just these simple changes, we have reduced our energy use by an estimated 4,489 kWh/yr and our carbon footprint by 3,223 lbs/yr!Also, as a means of giving back to our community, we are participating in the low-cost cat spay/neuter clinic sponsored by the Marin Humane Society. This program provides low-cost cat spays and neuters to help control pet overpopulation and to provide a less costly means for cat sterilization for people who would not otherwise be able to afford these procedures.
