Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and share some of the most memorable moments from your career?

A: My name is Steve Dale and I'm a certified animal behavior consultant. I'm very grateful to present at veterinary events all over the world. I've contributed to lots of different books, some for veterinarians, some for the general public. I host several different radio shows about pets, also, two national radio shows and one on WGN radio right here in Chicago, where I happen to be right at this moment.

I've been in this industry for 12-14 years now, and it seems like the board of EveryCat Health Foundation can't get rid of me! My work with the foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, focused on two main goals. Firstly, we successfully found a treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), with a compounded product now available in the US. Secondly, after losing a cat to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) over a decade ago, I started a fund with the EveryCat Health Foundation, to raise awareness and funds for HCM treatment. Currently, Trivium Vet in Ireland has a promising product awaiting approval from the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA, expected in about a year. It's incredibly gratifying to know that our fundraising efforts have significantly advanced understanding and treatment options for HCM. Additionally, I've been actively involved in fighting breed bans and advocating against the sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills in pet stores across America.

Q: Do you have any pets of your own? How have they influenced your work and perspective on pet care?

A: Of course. I couldn't imagine living without companion animals. I currently have a dog who is approximately 16 years old, and a young cat named Groucho, who is a little over two years old. You can find Groucho on TikTok at @groucho_thefunnycat!

Aside from attending veterinary conferences like the Vet Shows in New York and Wild West, I have learned much from my own pets. As a behavior consultant, it's easy for me to suggest solutions to patients, but my own pets often humble me and teach me valuable lessons. I'm very grateful for having them in my life.

Q: How do you balance content creation across different platforms like radio, print, and digital media? Do you have a preferred medium for reaching your audience?

A: To be completely honest, I'm not entirely sure! I grew up in the media world. I'm very fortunate to be able to cross-pollinate my work across different platforms. I'm on TV, radio, and I share radio links on my blog. Ideas from my blog often inspire content for the radio. It all comes together with social media. You can find all of my work on my website, stevedalepetworld.com

Q: In your session "There’s Room for Zoom in Your Practice," you'll discuss embracing telehealth. How has telehealth changed the way pet owners and veterinarians interact, and what are its potential benefits and challenges?

A: It seems like many practices switched to telehealth during the pandemic, which was understandable given the temporary state regulations for both human and veterinary care. In my session at Wild West Vet Show, I’ll address two main aspects of this situation: the numerous issues associated with these companies, and why private practitioners can, and perhaps should, offer telehealth services themselves. Providing these services not only generates additional revenue for the practice but also improves animal health in the long term.

Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you like to give to individuals who are at the start of their veterinary career?

A: My advice for veterinarians starting their careers would be to embrace technology's advancements. Many veterinarians are slow to adopt new technologies like communication platforms, which can streamline contact with clients. While AI presents opportunities for client retention and practice growth, it's essential to introduce it carefully to your business.