A Tail of Growth: Ruff Day Vet+ Pet Gym’s ScaleUp Experience
In late 2019, Dr. Heather Misener and Adam Yoshida founded Ruff Day Vet + Pet Gym, a veterinary practice emphasizing holistic pet care and a comforting, home-like clinic environment. They incorporate a variety of non-traditional therapies, including exercise, shockwave therapy, and electromagnetic field therapy, all designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This broader perspective aligns with the OneHealth concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, they adapted their business model to prioritize patient comfort and the human-animal bond, allowing pet owners to participate actively in their pets’ care. This innovative approach, which they coined “relationship-based medicine,” allowed pet owners to stay with their pets during treatments, fostering a sense of partnership in the healing process.
“We were the only vet practice allowing clients in the building during the height of the pandemic,” Heather recalls. “COVID influenced our entire business model, and it ended up being very successful.”
Their one-on-one care approach led to rapid growth, so much so that they struggled to balance working in the business with working on the business. They found the solution in ScaleUp, a business development program that provided them with the tools and insights needed to effectively scale their operations while maintaining their core values. ScaleUp is part of the Entrepreneur Ecosystem provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce and facilitated by the Thurston EDC’s Center for Business and Innovation.
“Participating in ScaleUp was life-changing,” Adam reflects. “It allowed us to ask the right questions and apply expert advice to our unique challenges.”
When they attended a Fall ScaleUp cohort, Heather and Adam found the program’s curriculum directly addressed many of their pain points. They appreciated the camaraderie with fellow entrepreneurs, which offered a supportive space to share experiences and challenges. The insights and tools gained from ScaleUp continue to be an integral part of their business strategy, helping them navigate the complexities of running a growing veterinary practice.
“We’ve put together our mission and vision statements and our business plan for the next stage of growth,” Adam shares. “We aim to grow together with our community, providing a service that gives back and supports the well-being of everyone involved.”
Looking ahead, Heather and Adam are committed to continuing their partnership with ScaleUp to refine their business strategies. They are also focused on expanding their services in ways that align with their core values of holistic care and community involvement.
“We believe in practicing high-quality medicine that aligns with our values, ensuring that every decision we make benefits our patients and their owners,” Heather states. ” ScaleUp has been instrumental in helping us maintain this alignment as we grow.”
Through their dedication to holistic care, community involvement, and continuous learning, Heather and Adam are not only transforming their veterinary practice but also setting a new standard for compassionate and relationship-based pet care.
For more information, visit ruffday.vet
Dr. Heather Misener, DVM, CVAT, CCRT
Adam Yoshida, CSCC
Ruff Day Vet & Pet Gym