EP33 - Equity in Vet Care, COVID Chaos & Private Practice Reality w/ Dr. Ranetta Perkins

Text me your question or inquiry here! Hey friends! This week on the pod, we’re taking you inside one of the most inspiring and eye-opening veterinary journeys out there — and trust me, you’re going to walk away with a whole new appreciation for the heart, grit, and community behind vet med. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Ranetta Perkins, a Nashville veterinarian who has done it all — from lab animal medicine and exotics to building her own small-animal practice right in the heart of downtown. We dive into what it’s really like to run an independently owned clinic in a big city, care for pets from all walks of life, and support pet parents who may be struggling, including those experiencing homelessness. Whether you're a pet parent, vet professional, or just someone who loves stories of resilience and purpose, this episode has something for you. Grab your tea, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with Little Urban Animal Hospital and the powerhouse leading it. Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com! Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5d574928 TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjd9d YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mr3jradc TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:23 Dr. Ranetta Perkins Intro 04:15 Lab Animal Medicine 07:00 Exotic Animal Practice 10:27 Dr. Perkins’ Small Animal Practice 16:20 Operating during COVID 20:23 Dr. Perkins’ Staff 25:06 What’s It Like Being in Downtown Nashville 26:40 What Makes Little Urban Unique 28:23 Pet Care for the Unhoused 34:30 Private Practice Costs 39:50 Knowing When to Adjust Prices 41:08 Distributors Charging Fees On Products 44:00 Ordering Goods as a Small Clinic 46:00 People Getting Priced Out of Owning Pets 49:10 Feeling Judged For Pet Care Costs 50:30 Working in the Service Industry 52:41 Corporate Owned Vs. Private Practice 55:57 How To Compete as a Private Practice Owner 1:00:03 Message for Pet Owners 1:02:35 Increase in Women Practice Owners 1:06 01 Social Media 1:07:20 What Breed Would Dr. Perkins Be 1:09:20 Vet Student Mentality 1:12:03 Outro