Opportunities for marketing in the consulting room should not be overlooked. Indeed, the very act of a vet carrying out a thorough examination of the patient, treating the condition correctly and ensuring that the client is kept well-informed, helps to market the business. Clients that have confidence and trust in the service will return. Hopefully, they will also recommend the surgery to friends and family members.

In order to really exceed our clients' expectations we need to think of ways to give them 'that little bit extra'. Puppy and kitten packs containing useful literature and free life stage diet samples are appreciated by clients bringing along their new addition to the family for a first vaccination. With a little imagination, there is almost no end to the amount of packs you can make up: rabbit packs, dental packs, fat packs, diabetes packs, welcome packs... You can find out more about these in the chapter "An Introduction to Veterinary Practice Marketing".

Consulting rooms also provide the ideal environment in which to market other products and services offered by the practice. For instance, veterinary surgeons are the ideal people to promote Puppy Parties and Plump Pet Clubs offered by the veterinary nurses.

Promotional literature and posters may be displayed in the consulting room, but be careful not to bombard the client with too much information. Use only framed or laminated posters, which will not get dirty or dog-eared, and try to stick to a colour scheme.