Automation, Scalability, and Efficiency in the Veterinary Practice

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In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, we’re joined by Joe Chikarollo, VP of Sales at Chikvet and a seasoned SaaS leader in the veterinary and dental software space. Joe shares his deep insights into how automation—especially online booking—can streamline operations, improve client experience, and boost revenue in veterinary clinics.

Whether you’re running a solo practice or overseeing a growing group of hospitals, this episode covers how to build scalable workflows, reduce CSR burnout, and make smarter marketing decisions with real-time data. We also dive into the challenges and myths around implementing tech in a busy clinic, and how white-glove onboarding can make the transition seamless.

If you’ve been wondering whether automation is worth the investment or if your practice is “too small” to need it—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Online booking is essential, not optional, for modern veterinary practices.
• Automation reduces phone traffic, improves appointment adherence, and frees up team bandwidth.
• “White glove” onboarding minimizes disruption—most teams don’t need training to get started.
• Real-time analytics help owners track marketing ROI, appointment sources, and client behavior.
• Automated reminders via SMS, email, or app improve compliance and client satisfaction.
• Automation supports the entire care team, not just front desk staff.

Timestamp

• 03:15 – Joe’s background in SaaS and why he entered the veterinary space.
• 06:34 – Why is online booking important for veterinary practices?
• 09:36 – Is online booking applicable to different types and sizes of veterinary practices?
• 11:36 – What challenges do veterinary hospitals face in adopting online booking technology?
• 13:08 – What does the adoption process look like for such technology?
• 14:23 – How is training done, and how do you get team buy-in for new systems?
• 16:30 – Can clients specify provider preferences and appointment details when booking?
• 21:53 – How does automation benefit the entire veterinary team?
• 25:50 – What are the reporting capabilities and how does it integrate with practice management systems?
• 34:48 – Final Thoughts: How listeners can deepen their understanding of online booking.

Joe Chickerillo

Growth Strategist | SaaS Sales Leader | Dental & Veterinary Tech Expert
Vice President of Sales at Chckvet

Joe Chickerillo is a seasoned SaaS growth expert with over 15 years of experience helping startups in the dental and veterinary spaces scale through automation, operational efficiency, and client-centric solutions. With a sharp eye for eliminating inefficiencies, Joe has been instrumental in launching and scaling disruptive platforms that streamline front-office workflows, client communication, online booking, analytics, and onboarding systems.

Currently serving as Vice President of Sales at Chckvet, Joe supports veterinary practices across North America by integrating tools that improve client experience, reduce costs, and drive practice growth. He also recently concluded his role as VP of Sales at My Dental SOP, where he helped dental teams digitize and standardize SOPs, enabling smoother onboarding, stronger accountability, and scalable operations.

Joe’s past leadership roles include impactful tenures at Your Virtual Consult, Dental Intelligence, LocalMed, and SOCIALDEALER, where he consistently exceeded growth targets, improved patient/client acquisition, and built high-performing sales teams. From revolutionizing case acceptance workflows to driving digital transformation in medical practices, Joe brings energy, insight, and results to every project.

A proud South Side Chicago native, Joe now lives in the suburbs with his wife and their chihuahua, Rocket. Outside of work, he’s passionate about live music, muscle cars, the outdoors, and exploring dive bars in search of the perfect cocktail.

Connect with Joe:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram