Recently, I traveled from my home in Florida to Tennessee to celebrate my aunt’s 96th birthday. During the long drive, I found myself thinking a lot about change and longevity. One thing my family has taught me in recent years is that you must be tough to make it into your 90s—and if you do, you’ve certainly witnessed a lifetime of change.
Leaving Florida, the heat already felt like mid‑summer. But as we drove north into the mountains, the world shifted to early spring—fresh green grass, budding trees, and cool air. Then one morning, we woke up to frost on the branches and freezing temperatures, a surprise I hadn’t packed for.
Change is expected, but it still manages to surprise us. The veterinary business is no different. People love their animals and will go to great lengths—and expense—to care for them. We continue to see approval of innovative products that give veterinarians new tools to help their patients. Yet at the same time, practices face pressure: clients’ budgets are stretched, and broader economic forces—fuel prices, tariffs, market volatility—affect both owners and clinics. Ambulatory veterinarians have watched their weekly fuel costs climb, and anyone who has traveled to a conference lately has felt the impact. Was this in your 2026 budget?
For me, the takeaway is simple: stay flexible, adapt to the changes, and enjoy the ride. And hopefully, live long enough to see even more of it.
Chuck Johnson, Senior Consultant
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