What is The Vet Channel?
It is a communication service for veterinary practices to convey a wide range of information to pet owners on TV screens in waiting rooms.

How long has The Vet Channel been running?
The Vet Channel was developed and trialed over a twelve-month period before being launched officially in April 2005. Since then it has become a valued addition to many vets’ waiting areas, resulting in happier clients and an increase in practice revenues.

What does the programme comprise?
Each programme plays for around 25 minutes on a continuous loop and is renewed every 2 months.

It comprises:
6 minutes about the individual veterinary practice - the practice leaflet in a lively multi-media format. Information on the products and services offered by the practice to encourage take-up of immunisation, flea treatments, regular check-ups etc.
Advice on how owners should care for their pets presented by qualified celebrity vet Joe Inglis.
Seasonal articles on animal health matters. Links from programme articles to promotions in the practice.

How often does the programme change?
A new programme, containing seasonal health information is dispatched to each practice every two months - six programmes every year. The practice is also able to update their own information section with each new programme edition.

Who determines the programme content?
The 6 minutes of location information is provided by the practice and is collated by a hand written template form. The Vet Channel creates the main body of the programme in collaboration with qualified veterinary surgeon, Joe Inglis. It also actively encourages contributions from the vets who subscribe to the service.

What happens if we, as a practice, do not want a particular part of the programme?
In the rare instance of this happening, we would edit out this content for you.

Is there any advertising or sponsorship?
We only promote generic products, not specific brands.

Why isn't the music more lively or well known?
The programme's accompanying music is literally a "background". It is not meant to be a musical entertainment in it's own right. Some practices prefer to play their programmes silently. Either way, the programme is not affected. As an added bonus, this music is non-copyright and does not require a costly Performing Rights licence.

Why are the articles relatively short?
A waiting pet owner is unlikely to see the whole of the programme, unless waiting times are extremely long, and so items are kept to a reasonable length. Our research and evaluation of the programmes with hundreds of viewers proves that we have got the content, format and presentation right.

What does a veterinary practice need to do to be able to take The Vet Channel service?
All a practice needs is a TV in the waiting area and a DVD, which may be positioned anywhere in the surgery, usually behind the reception desk or in an adjacent office. The Vet Channel can arrange the supply and fitting of suitable equipment.

So how do we join The Vet Channel?
Contact us for further information and we will send you the necessary order forms and installation specification. enquiries@thevetchannel.co.uk