Dr. Safi Chand has devoted his life to enriching the lives of small
animals throughout Maryland and beyond. As the owner of New Market
Animal Hospital, he is constantly striving to increase knowledge on
veterinary practices and pet health care, so that animals can enjoy a
long and healthy life. With extensive exposure in dynamic animal
emergency departments, Safi has honed multiple techniques and is
passionate about ensuring he stays current with progressive protocols.
With an impressive decade of experience in emergency medicine and
surgery, Dr. Chand graduated from Canada before furthering his
expertise with a specialization in ER medicine and surgery back in
2005. In 2006, he had the unique opportunity to finish a 12-month
internship in small animal medicine with a specialty in emergency
medicine and surgery at Southern Massachusetts Emergency and Referral.
He was later honored as an ER clinician for four years at CVCA and
AVIM, which is Maryland’s largest Cardiology and internal medicine
group.
As a lifelong lover of German Shepherds, Dr. Chand has always dreamed
of being a veterinarian. He specializes in internal medicine and
cardiology as well as performing surgery, radiology exams, soft tissue
procedures, and certain orthopedic treatments with expert precision.
When he isn’t occupied with work, his favorite pastimes include
spending quality time with his family (which includes two cats and
some fish), reading books, traveling to new places, and horseback
riding.
How did you get started in this business?
Ever since I was a child, I have always been passionate about German Shepherds. I was always ambitious for the betterment of the lives of animals locally and beyond. My dream of helping and caring for animals became true when I opened New Market Animal Hospital. I graduated from Canada over 15 years ago before honing my expertise to become the renowned ER doctor I am today. My purposeful dedication to expanding knowledge on veterinary procedures and pet healthcare ensures that your beloved pets are living a long, prosperous life full of joy.
In 2006, I was blessed with a remarkable opportunity to complete an internship in small animal medicine and emergency surgery for 12 months at Southern Massachusetts Emergency and Referral. My passion and diligence paid off as I was recognized as an ER clinician at the largest Cardiology and Internal Medicine organization in Maryland—CVCA and AVIM—for four years following my internship.
How do you make money?
New Market Animal Hospital is proud to have served New Market and the surrounding communities for over 30 years. At New Market Animal Hospital, we offer a range of services including on-call ER, boarding, grooming, laser therapy, ultrasound, digital radiographs, and procedures including knee repairs. Our business model is focused on compassionate, client-friendly, affordable, and high-quality patient-centered care.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Making a profit was never the main objective of launching New Market Animal Hospital rather it was never on my mind. I had only one thing in mind when I started and that was I wanted to educate people on how to keep their pets healthy year-round, with recommendations for care that include diet, parasite prevention, grooming, exercise, and tailored vaccination plans for their pet’s individual needs and experiences and honestly I don’t even remember when my passion became a profitable business.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No, I never doubted my passion and devotion to animals and I had faith that it will definitely work since commitment always pays off. The only thing that crossed my mind was the monetary matters. I wasn’t a finance graduate so handling money-related matters was a concern for me. I can’t thank my first accountant enough who helped me throughout the initial phases of setting up a business and developing a system that had made things streamlined till today.
How did you get your first customer?
My neighbor was my first customer whose British shorthair had an accident on the street and he brought him to ER at New Market Animal Hospital. I operated upon the poor soul and fortunately saved its life.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?
At New Market Animal Hospital we regularly conduct events and seminars to raise awareness and educate people regarding pet care. We started this practice out of pure concern for animals but later realized that it plays a significant role in generating new business. Animal lovers and pet parents show great interest in such events and spread the word around.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
There was a patient, a Maine coon who was suffering from a severe eye infection and I had to make the hardest decision to remove its infected eye to save its life. It was a tough call but nothing else could have stopped the infection from spreading and it would have been fatal for the little cat.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My selfless dedication to making animals live happy and healthy lives is what makes New Market Animal Hospital a success. I can’t see animals suffering and I can go to any extent to bring comfort to them. I believe that when you do something out of pure love and passion, it is bound to be successful.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I don’t really treat New Market Animal Hospital as a business. It’s my happy place, my purpose in life. Whenever I see an animal, pain-free and healthy while leaving the clinic, I feel immensely satisfied and happy as a veterinarian and a person.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am actively looking forward to adding more services at New Market Animal Hospital so that animals get a holistic experience of well-being.
What business books have inspired you?
Progressive Business Plan for a Veterinary Clinic: A Detailed Template with Innovative Growth Strategies by Nat Chiaffarano inspired me a lot. This book contains detailed content and out-of-the-box ideas to launch a successful Veterinary Clinic Company. The fill-in-the-blank format makes it very easy to write the business plan, but it is the out-of-the-box strategic growth ideas, presented for your specific type of business that will put you on the road to success.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be yourself and never hesitate to take a calculated risk.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Why not? I am willing to help anyone who wants guidance and advice to excel in life, especially in the field of veterinary medicine. People can easily reach out to me through my website and social media.