Modern demands and lifestyles dictate that services be available when customers want them. Most customers don't want to wait to get what they want. They want what they want, and they want it now. Worse yet, if they need your services and you don't offer them in the hours when they can access your services, you will never get them in the door.
As a result, it is good to offer access to your services in a manner that meets the busy schdules of your customers. If they go to work at 8 am, you will need to be open early to allow them to drop off their animals. If most clients work until 5 pm, then to reach those customers you will need to have open hours that extend into the evening.
Similar demand and assessment is needed on weekends. Saturday and even Sunday hours are gaining in popularity because that is when many customers can get to you. This is good business. If a restaurant wants to serve dinner, then they better be open during dinner hours. If a veterinary practice wants to reach customers who work an 8 to 5 schedule, then you need to offer hours that meet their needs.
In many practices, especially larger animal veterinary practice, extended hours have been in effect for years. Their challenge is different. They often have to offer services 24 hours per day to gain the loyalty of their customers. In fact, an AAEP study found that horse owners said that one of their most important criteria in selecting a veterinarian was access to 24/7 services.
Staffing can be a challenge when a practice hasn't been open in evening and weekend hours, but in many instances you can recruit specifically for people who want to work those hours and be off during regular week-day hours. Offer services when your clients can access them. It will grow your business.
