The Veterinary
Viewfinder

Candid conversations on the issues shaping veterinary medicine.

Hosted by Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT
New episodes weekly · On the air since 2016

The Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, have co-hosted their award-winning weekly veterinary podcast since 2016. Each week, they “tackle the toughest topics in veterinary medicine,” highlighting controversial issues and trending news, introducing veterinary key opinion leaders and provocateurs, and offering solutions to the myriad challenges facing the veterinary profession.

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Your Hosts

Two perspectives, one profession

Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM

Veterinarian · Author · Advocate

A veterinarian, author, and longtime advocate for pets and the profession. Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and the World Pet Obesity Association, and a familiar voice across national media.

Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT

Veterinary Technician · Educator

A registered veterinary technician, educator, and advocate known for advancing the technician profession and for practical, people-first conversations about everyday veterinary work.

Featured

June 10, 2026

America’s 250th Means More Booms, More Noise, and More Vet Med Prep

June 10, 2026

America’s 250th birthday is not shaping up to be a typical one-night July 4th celebration. With fireworks and community events expected to stretch across July 3, 4, and 5 (and expect some noise even earlier), Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, are urging veterinary teams to prepare now for an extra-long, extra-loud holiday weekend.

This episode focuses on what clinics can do before the booms begin: check medication inventory, reach out to clients early about noise-aversion plans, remind pet owners not to wait until the last minute, and prepare for closed clinics, overwhelmed ERs, and staffing challenges.

Ernie and Beckie also discuss holiday risks beyond fireworks, including lost pets, outdated microchip information, travel stress, barbecue hazards, cannabis exposure, and pets in unfamiliar vacation environments.

It’s a timely reminder that this year’s July 4th isn’t just July 4, and vet teams can help clients, patients, and colleagues avoid preventable chaos.

Mystery Dog Respiratory Illness - Dealing with the Hype this Holiday Season

Currently, 17 US states have reported a mysterious respiratory illness in dogs. As hype escalates on social media, fueled by TikTok and TMZ, how should veterinary professionals educate their pet parents and keep their pet patients safe during this holiday season?

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, tackle the tough topic of how to address an unknown newsworthy canine respiratory illness and practicality and medically. Our hosts also have advice for “veterinary influencers” seeking to capitalize on the issue and steps more reasonable veterinary medical professionals can take to combat excessive sensationalization (and potentially capitalization) on a serious pet health issue. IYKYK

Viewfinders, this is a serious topic that needs more tempered and measured responses from the veterinary medical community. How are you dealing with your clients’ questions, and what safeguards are you enacting this holiday season to keep your pet patients safe during the holidays? Share your advice on our Facebook and Instagram pages, @VeterinaryViewfinder, or drop us a line (and Beckie a “Get Well Soon” note) at VeterinaryViewfinder@gmail.com.

The conversations behind the care

Practice culture & leadership

Client communication

Clinical controversy & ethics

Veterinary technician careers

Technology & the future of care

Wellbeing in the profession

Guests, topics & feedback

Have a guest or topic idea?

Suggestions, questions, and guest pitches are always welcome. The fastest way to reach the show is by email.

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