Black Dog Animal Hospital Puts Kindness First

Work-life balance is something all veterinarians strive for, but we all know it is easier said than done to find. Especially when you add in the stress of raising a family. A recent MVMA clinic visit to Black Dog Animal Hospital in Red Wing, MN, provided a great reminder of the benefits that come with prioritizing kindness not only to the people and pets that walk through the door, but also for the staff that work inside.

“We really do support each other as a team. We have a lot of young moms that work with us,” Black Dog owner and MVMA member Dr. Jennifer Scott said. “We try to support each other with work schedules, kids being sick and just show kindness. Being a veterinarian is part of who you are so it’s hard to have firm boundaries. When we were building the clinic, it wasn’t uncommon for kids to be here. My kids have grown up through the construction process.”

A supportive culture is one Dr. Scott knew she wanted to create when opening the doors to Black Dog Animal Hospital in 2016. After starting with five total staff, they quickly grew as word spread around the Red Wing community which increased demand. They moved locations over two years ago and now have a team of 20.

“The whole staff is all women and a lot of us have kids and busy lives,” Dr. Christina Boyle who has been with Black Dog the entire time said. “We make it work. It’s easy to try and step in for people because everybody does the same thing for you.”

Dr. Boyle said the mentality starts at the top with Dr. Scott and how she treats people.

“We really try to avoid burnout. I remind the team they are in this for the long haul,” Dr. Scott explained. “So we focus a lot on trying to prevent that.”

When coming up with a name for the clinic, Dr. Scott wanted something original and unique.

“I wish there was a great story to go with (the Black Dog name),” Dr. Scott laughed as she said she actually owns golden retrievers. “I just wanted to be something different. I think it reflects us because we try to operate a bit differently.”

That difference comes with the idea of treating every pet that walks into the doors as if it were their own. That motto can be found throughout Black Dog’s website, experienced on a clinic visit and confirmed by the outpouring of community support. Within one year of being open, Black Dog was honored by the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce as the Specialty Services Business of the Year Award winner. They have now won the honor five out of the last seven years.

While it seems simple, our visit to Black Dog showcased how much of an impact kindness, understanding and teamwork can still make. Reducing burnout and promoting work-life balance can make a huge difference in any clinic. Just look at Black Dog’s rapid growth, achievements and team culture for proof.

“I think that like most people that go into vet med we believe that it has been a life purpose,” Dr. Scott said. “We take that seriously and believe that we are here to take care of and serve each other by helping keep pets healthy and to promote the human animal bond and all the good that comes with it. It is that purpose each day and seeing the joy that it brings (on the good days) and being there for people in their happiest and sometimes worst of days that keeps us showing up each and every day.”