Tell Me About Your
Veterinary Practice

FAQs

What does Lockhart Veterinary Consulting do?

I partner with independent veterinary practice owners, medical directors, and practice managers to optimize their operations, finances, and team culture. I remove the day-to-day administrative burdens from your shoulders so you can focus on practicing medicine and providing high-quality patient care.

Who typically works with Lockhart Veterinary Consulting?

I work primarily with general companion animal practices, emergency clinics, and specialty hospitals seeking to move from "just surviving" to thriving. Whether you are looking to scale, improve staff retention, increase profit margins, modernize workflows, or prepare your business for a future exit or succession, my consulting is customized to your stage of practice.

What does a typical consulting engagement look like with Lockhart Veterinary Consulting?

Most partnerships are structured over a 6- to 12-month period. A standard engagement starts with a thorough operational and financial diagnostic, followed by on-site hospital visits, video strategy meetings, and continuous phone support to oversee implementation, track metrics, and keep changes on track.

Can Lockhart veterinary consulting assist with long-term strategic planning or equipment investments?

Yes. I perform market feasibility studies, competitor analyses, and financial modeling to help you decide when to add specialty services, transition equipment (such as upgrading to digital radiography or advanced diagnostics), expand your facility footprint, or adjust operating hours.

What operational areas can lockhart veterinary consulting help us improve?

My consulting addresses four main pillars of veterinary practice performance: hospital operations and workflow, financial management and profitability, human resources and team building, and client experience. Before we get started, I’ll meet with you to discuss your practice’s specific bottlenecks in these areas.

Is Shirley available for speaking engagements or leadership workshops?

Yes! I regularly speaks at veterinary conferences, veterinary medical association (VMA) meetings, leadership retreats, and practice manager forums across the country. Key topics include veterinary practice culture, team accountability, profitability, ethical leadership, and navigating difficult conversations.