In the ever-shifting world of animal healthcare, VUCA is not just a buzzword—it’s the reality of everyday practice.
V – Volatility
“Bigla na lang nagtaas ang supplier. Bigla na lang may bagong vet clinic sa kanto.”
The vet industry experiences rapid changes:
- Sudden price hikes on vaccines, diagnostics, or pet food
- New clinics popping up overnight
- Regulatory shifts affecting importation or prescription rules
How to respond: Build buffer stocks, diversify suppliers, and set dynamic pricing strategies.
U – Uncertainty
“Hindi mo alam kung sino ang loyal client o kung may darating pa bukas.”
Vets face:
- Unpredictable client behavior post-pandemic
- Unclear government regulations on animal welfare or licensing
- Uncertain career paths for associates and new grads
How to respond: Focus on transparency, customer education, and data-driven planning.
C – Complexity
“Vet ka na, manager ka pa, HR, finance, marketing, at minsan janitor.”
Running a clinic today means managing:
- HR issues, emotional clients, and digital records
- Price comparisons with Lazada and Shopee sellers
- Social media reputation while keeping up with medicine trends
How to respond: Use veterinary management systems (like Kreloses), hire practice managers, and simplify internal protocols.
A – Ambiguity
“Dapat ba mag-expand ako? Dapat ba mag-cat clinic? Dapat ba may 24/7?”
There’s no clear path to success anymore:
- Is it better to focus on volume or premium care?
- Do you franchise or go solo?
- Should you sell products online or stay exclusive to your clinic?
How to respond: Test small. Monitor results. Be willing to pivot. Talk to mentors and advisors.
Final Takeaway
Veterinary medicine is no longer just clinical—it’s strategic.
In a VUCA world, the most successful vets aren’t the ones who know the most—they’re the ones who can adapt the fastest.
Sharing this helps others understand what it really means to be a vet. Like and follow if you’re with us.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.