My ultimate favorite time of year is the fall—especially here in the Midwest. Each day brings a new palette of color, the air carries that crisp, earthy scent, and yes, it’s finally time to pull out the soup recipes. (Let’s be honest, nothing says self-care quite like a pot of chili or pumpkin soup simmering […]
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Catherine Haskins
For more than 25 years, Catherine Haskins has provided strategic counsel to the veterinary profession in critical areas such as issues management, media training, and new product launches. Today as Founder of The Bridge Club, she leverages decades of industry insights and experience to elevate and advance veterinary medicine.
Catherine and her team focus on honoring veterinary professionals making a difference and facilitating important conversations to move the profession forward. They understand the importance of authentic messaging and building trusting connections between stakeholders and organizations.
Early in her career, Catherine led global outreach for animal health at two of the world’s top public relations firms, Edelman and Fleishman Hillard. Though not a veterinarian herself, she has been an indefatigable advocate for the profession.
Catherine’s many accolades include honors for her advocacy and consulting work. She also takes pride in her achievement as a published children’s book author. When she’s home, Catherine’s family, including their beloved 14-year-old dog, Lily, keep her grounded in what really matters.
Recent Posts
Why Sustainability September Matters More Than Ever in Veterinary Medicine
by Catherine Haskins | Sep 1, 2025 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

Veterinary medicine has always been driven by a mission of care for animals, people, and communities. Now, that mission is expanding to include another urgent priority: the health of our planet. This September, that commitment takes center stage with the launch of Sustainability September, a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting Veterinary professionals in 30 days of climate-conscious action. […]
read moreThe Great Unfriending: Why We’re Cutting Ties—And Why Veterinary Medicine Needs to Rethink That
by Catherine Haskins | Aug 1, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

In a time when our thumbs do more talking than our mouths, unfriending has become a quiet revolution. One click, and someone’s out of your digital world. It’s fast, clean, and, for many, necessary. But what does this trend mean for professions like Veterinary medicine, where connection is not just a value—but a lifeline? At […]
read moreBefore You Share It: A Call for Personal Responsibility in the Age of Misinformation
by Catherine Haskins | Jul 1, 2025 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

I was recently invited to speak at the HIVE conference in Chicago to share strategies on how to correct false information in Veterinary medicine. What I didn’t expect but perhaps should have, was how urgently we all needed a reminder that misinformation isn’t just “out there.” It’s part of our daily lives, often showing up […]
read moreNo-Show Energy in the Workplace: When “Yes” Becomes “Oops, I Forgot”
by Catherine Haskins | Jun 1, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Last month, I wrote about No-Show Energy and its impact on the future of Vet med. Let’s talk about a growing workplace vibe that no one asked for but everyone’s feeling: no-show energy. You know the one—where people commit to meetings, check-ins, tasks, or even just answering that text message . . . and then […]
read moreThe Rise of ‘No-Show Energy’ and the Cost of Digital Overload
by Catherine Haskins | May 1, 2025 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

Ever RSVP’d to an event with the best intentions, only to bail at the last minute? You’re not alone. In today’s hyper-connected world, committing to events and then not attending—a phenomenon we’ll call “no-show energy”—is becoming increasingly common. The No-Show Phenomenon: A Growing Trend Event organizers are feeling the sting of rising no-show rates. According to a recent […]
read moreThe State of Exhaustion: A Growing Crisis Impacting Industries and the Economy
by Catherine Haskins | Apr 2, 2025 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

In 2025, exhaustion is no longer just a personal struggle—it’s a systemic issue shaping industries, economies, and global innovation. The recent VMX and WVC conferences, two of the largest gatherings of Veterinary professionals, showcased this exhaustion in stark clarity. Attendees, usually buzzing with energy, were instead dragging themselves from session to session, their faces betraying […]
read moreFrom Practitioner to Industry Voice: How to Share Your Expertise and Become a Recognized Speaker, Advisor, or Thought Leader
by Catherine Haskins | Feb 24, 2025 | Other - Views, Views

Veterinary professionals have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to share—but too often, their expertise stays within the walls of their practice. If you’ve ever thought about speaking at conferences, advising industry companies, or becoming more involved in shaping the future of veterinary medicine, now is the time to step forward. The veterinary industry […]
read moreKeeping Your Vet Team Happy: Retention Is Like Marriage—Invest in Staying Together!
by Catherine Haskins | Feb 1, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

If you’ve ever worked in a Veterinary practice, you know it can feel a bit like a marriage. There are ups, downs, compromises, and the occasional “What were we thinking?” moment. After celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary this year, my husband joked that we’ve finally moved from the “dating” stage to “going steady.” While we […]
read moreIs it Possible to Change your Personal Brand?
by Catherine Haskins | Jan 14, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Changing your personal brand is no small feat. It’s like trying to convince everyone you know that you’ve swapped your old, reliable Toyota for a flashy new Tesla—exciting, but a bit daunting. As someone who started in public relations and was known as the high-energy communicator in Veterinary medicine, my passion for this profession has […]
read moreFocus for 2025: A Productive Path for Veterinary Professionals
by Catherine Haskins | Jan 14, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Every year, I’ve made New Year’s Resolutions, and every year, they’ve fallen apart well before February. Sound familiar? It’s not just us—resolutions fail for 80% of people, according to U.S. News & World Report. Most of us lose motivation just weeks into the year because resolutions are often too broad or unrealistic. This year, I’m […]
read moreReflect, Relax, and Reimagine: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Think About Your Personal Brand for 2025
by Catherine Haskins | Dec 10, 2024 | Other - Views, Views

As the holidays approach, it’s a season to celebrate, reflect, and connect with what matters most. Between gatherings with loved ones, cozy moments, and enjoying some well-earned downtime, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to take a gentle pause and look ahead. While the new year feels just around the corner, there’s no […]
read moreThe Story Behind: Why We Say the Things We Say (and the Lingo Used in Practice)
by Catherine Haskins | Nov 12, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Ever wonder why we say the things we do? Like why we tell people to “bite the bullet” when things get tough, or how veterinarians came up with their secret code for giving meds? Every phrase has a story, and today, we’re diving into a few surprising ones—thanks to some fun facts from the Instagram […]
read moreMaximize Your 2024 Budget: Smart Ways to Invest your Remaining Funds in the Veterinary Profession
by Catherine Haskins | Oct 8, 2024 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, many companies are taking a hard look at their budgets, strategizing how to make every remaining dollar count. It’s a time when resources can feel tight, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to make even a small investment that can have a significant impact on our […]
read moreThe Busy Trap: Why Being Busy is No Longer a Badge of Honor
by Catherine Haskins | Sep 4, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

At the recent Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City, a familiar scene played out time and again. Conversations began with a standard greeting: “How are you?” Without missing a beat, the first response was almost always, “Busy.” The word has become a reflexive reply, a societal badge of honor that somehow validates our importance and […]
read moreA CE Challenge: Attend a Global Conference
by Catherine Haskins | Jul 12, 2024 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

In today’s interconnected world, it often feels like we have access to the latest information at our fingertips. As Veterinary professionals, we may believe that our local, regional, and national conferences suffice. However, I challenge you to break free from this norm and explore conferences beyond your borders. You will be amazed at the innovations […]
read moreWhat’s in a Name? The Compelling Logic Behind Beloved Brands in Veterinary Medicine
by Catherine Haskins | Jun 1, 2024 | Animal Health Industry - Views, Views

At my daughter’s recent graduation, I realized that with my generation’s passing, three of my family’s surnames would lose their direct bloodlines. In today’s diverse family structures, this isn’t unusual, but it did make me ponder the significance of a name—particularly in Veterinary medicine. How did companies like IDEXX, Virbac, myBalto, The Bridge Club, and […]
read moreThe Power of ‘How Are You Doing?’: A Lesson from Elmo
by Catherine Haskins | May 1, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

In the hustle and bustle of Veterinary practice, amidst the flurry of patients, paperwork, and procedures, there exists a quiet yet profound opportunity for compassion and connection. In recent times, the importance of genuine human interaction has been underscored by none other than Elmo, the iconic red monster from “Sesame Street.” His simple question, “How’s […]
read moreUnleashing Potential: The Importance of Acting on Wild, Crazy Ideas
by Catherine Haskins | Apr 8, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

In a world that constantly chants the mantra of innovation, the wildest, craziest ideas often light the paths to the most groundbreaking achievements. History is littered with examples of visionaries who were initially dismissed as dreamers or eccentrics, only to be celebrated later as pioneers. The importance of putting action behind these seemingly outrageous ideas […]
read moreThe Kindness Renaissance: A Beacon of Hope for 2024
by Catherine Haskins | Mar 11, 2024 | Other - Views, Views

In a time when headlines frequently depict a world fraught with conflict and political unrest, there’s a powerful, though quieter, movement slowly emerging from the shadows—a resurgence of kindness that boldly counters the prevailing stories of division. This rebirth is far more than a mere nod to gentleness and goodwill; it’s a dynamic force that […]
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