Penn Veterinary Supply, Inc. - Since 1981

Have a Consistent Message - When it comes to education and advertising, it’s important that your practice has a clear and consistent message. This means that everyone, from your front desk staff to your doctors, should understand your message when it comes to tick-borne illness prevention. Make sure that everyone has an “elevator speech” prepared for when talking with clients and that it aligns with your practice’s overall stance.

Share your Stories - When it comes to your messaging, stories can be very beneficial in driving your point home. Did you have a client with a dog who suffered from Lyme who didn’t use preventives because they didn't think their dog was at risk? Share their story, leaving out anything personal or identifying. It’s one thing to tell a client the numbers and statistics, it’s another to share a real-life story of someone just like them - this truly grabs the emotions and makes it more real. We’d recommend asking the pet’s owner for permission to use their story, especially if you are putting it in print or online. Maybe they could even give you a picture to use!

Host a Vaccination Day - Lyme Disease in dogs can be prevented through a Lyme vaccination, such as Merck Animal Health’s Nobivac Lyme Vaccine or Elanco's Duramune Lyme Vaccine. Pick a day, or even a week, to deem “Lyme Vaccination Day” at your clinic. Make it a point to reach out to customers who you know are not vaccinated (if you’re not sure, make it a point to ask!) to advertise your vaccination day. You could offer a drawing or some sort of favor if they participate. You also could offer some discounted "Lyme Prevention Packages" that include a test, vaccines (include the first and the booster) and a preventive. It's a great way to protect your preventive business from online competition. Advertising this in the community could even be a great way to gain new customers!

Get Digital - The Rule of 7 in Marketing states that a person needs to see an ad 7 times for them to really notice or take action. If you’re giving your clients a handout when they leave and it stops there, the message is not sinking in. This is a great opportunity to tap into your digital marketing tools, such as social media and email. Don’t forget your messaging in point #1 - messaging should be the same across all channels! Host a Lyme Disease Awareness month on social media - post facts, stories and offers (here are some posts that you can use). You could even do a live Q&A with your doctor. Your customers are online - meet them where they are.

Create a Visual Display - It’s always helpful to create a visual display in your waiting room for customers to peruse while they wait to be seen. Put up posters (here’s one you can download), statistics, and images - make it creative and visually appealing! If you need the facts for your area, check out the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s Parasite Prevalence Maps.This is also a great place to feature the flea and tick preventives that your clinic has to offer and why your customers should be using them. Make sure that your customers know that it’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month and give them something to take home so they’ll remember and can share the message.