Veterinary teams everywhere are feeling the strain of rising no-show appointments, especially during the hectic holiday season. This episode examines why clients are ghosting more frequently and what that means for clinic schedules, revenue, and staff morale. Ernie and Becky walk through the real drivers of missed appointments, including financial stress, price shopping, long wait times, and the comfort some clients feel when canceling without calling the clinic.

What makes this conversation useful is its practicality. The episode covers the pros and cons of deposits, how to identify chronic no-show patterns, and when to adjust scheduling habits. You’ll also hear how technology can reduce missed appointments—from “safe exit” text confirmations to automated pre-visit questionnaires—and why these small tools often change client behavior in a meaningful way.

For teams balancing compassion with realistic clinic operations, this episode offers a grounded look at how to protect time, maintain revenue, and reduce frustration without creating unnecessary barriers for clients. It’s an honest, solutions-focused discussion aimed at helping veterinary professionals manage one of the industry’s quieter but most persistent challenges.