Generation Z makes up 16 percent of pet owners—a number that continues to grow as more young adults gain financial independence.1 Veterinary practices that fail to cater to the demand for modern payment methods risk missing out on revenue from younger consumers. With 79 percent of Gen Z consumers using digital wallets, it is clear they are moving away from traditional payment methods in favor of more convenient and seamless options.2 However, integrating new payment technology can be a major undertaking. So, how can practices adopt new payment systems without significant resource commitments or disruptions to daily operations? No-code payments could offer a solution. Embracing modern payment preferences Gen Z values payment methods that offer convenience and speed. They are particularly drawn to options that reduce friction and minimize effort, such as text-to-pay, digital wallets, and contactless cards. For example, 39 percent of Gen Zers consider entering a PIN to be a pain point when using a debit card, compared to the 29 percent from other generations.3 As Gen Zers represent a larger share of the market of pet owners, catering to their payment preferences is essential for staying competitive. Practices that adapt to these evolving demands can better attract and retain younger customers and benefit from the convenience and ease of use of modern payment systems. Overcoming tech adoption barriers Adopting new technology can be daunting for any business, and veterinary practices face unique hurdles—especially in today’s economy. While many veterinarians are focused on growing their practices, rising operational costs and staffing challenges make it difficult to allocate resources toward technology upgrades.4 Moreover, practices with multiple locations must maintain consistent payment processes to ensure a uniform client experience and compliance with different regulatory standards. No-code payment solutions offer a practical way to navigate these challenges. These systems enable you to integrate modern payment technologies without extensive technical knowledge or major investments in infrastructure technology. By installing a browser extension to configure the solution within your existing practice management software, you can configure your payment portal using pre-built components and drag-and-drop tools. New payment options can be integrated directly into your practice management software, streamlining both front-office and back-office workflows. For instance, you could implement a text-to-pay feature in your client communication system that allows clients to receive a secure link via SMS and pay directly from their mobile devices, eliminating the need for them to log into a separate system. No-code solutions can simplify the payments process and reduce the reliance on specialized IT support, making it easier to maintain consistent and efficient financial operations regardless of the size or structure of your practice. Tips to level up your practice with no-code solutions The right no-code system will help you adapt to modern payment preferences without overwhelming your practice’s resources. Consider the following tips to identify and integrate a no-code solution that enhances your practice’s operations while boosting client satisfaction. 1) Understand client preferences To stay competitive, it is crucial to understand what your customers care about most. Consider analyzing past payment data to identify trends or surveying clients to gauge interest in emerging payment methods. As you evaluate payment solutions, you can leverage these insights to prioritize features that align with your clients’ preferences. For example, if they express interest in recurring billing, look for no-code payment tools that offer card-on-file features to support it. Since Gen Zers and other tech-savvy consumers often favor mobile payments, it would also be helpful to explore payment methods like text-to-pay and digital wallets. By tailoring your payment methods to meet diverse client needs, you can enhance the customer experience and build loyalty across different generations. 2) Evaluate systems for scalability and customization Before you commit to a payment solution, make sure it is customizable to your specific needs. For example, if you manage a larger practice or operate as a consolidator, you likely need a solution able to handle complex configurations, such as organizing transactions by specific locations and departments or managing deposits across multiple bank accounts. Another example: Streamlined reconciliation and reporting is particularly important for practices that span multiple states or offer varied services, like general practice and emergency care. A solution with batch processing features can ensure financial activities are accurately tracked across different practice locations, simplifying these tasks. Additionally, working with technology providers that offer flexible pricing options—like surcharging—can help you manage transaction costs by offsetting processing fees. Effective cost management enables you to scale transactions without cutting into your profits. Even if you’re a smaller practice, choosing a solution with these features ensures you can scale in the future without being limited by your payments system. 3) Ensure seamless integration Consider the internal technical expertise within your practice and search for payment solutions that match your team’s capabilities. While all no-code solutions are designed to be user-friendly, the level of expertise required for installation and operation can vary. Avoid getting stuck with a system your team lacks the skills to use—instead, keep it as simple as possible. Certain no-code payment tools integrate seamlessly with existing practice management software, allowing for easy installation without disruption to daily operations. If you rely on a cloud-based system, search for solutions that are compatible with cloud platforms to maximize its benefits like scalability and remote access. 4) Inform and train clients and staff Successful technology adoption depends on clear communication and effective training. Keep clients informed about changes to payment options through various channels, such as email updates or informative one-pagers displayed at your reception desk. Make sure to clearly communicate the benefits of new technology to ensure clients understand its value. It is just as important your staff feels comfortable using new payment systems. Consider how different departments interact with payment systems—for example, your front-office staff may handle transactions while the accounting office manages reconciliation. Tailor your training and guidance to the specific needs and use cases of each department to achieve a smooth transition. Future-proof your clinic with modern payment solutions As the number of Gen Z pet owners continues to climb, your competitive edge hinges on meeting a diverse range of payment preferences—including modern, digital options. While integrating new payment technology may feel daunting, no-code payment solutions provide a more flexible and cost-effective approach to modernizing your payments without disrupting your day-to-day operations. By understanding your clients’ evolving preferences and selecting solutions that align with both their needs and your practice’s operating and financial requirements, you can boost customer satisfaction and achieve sustainable business growth. This forward-looking approach ensures your practice is well-positioned to meet the demands of a new generation of pet owners. Randy Modos is the president and co-founder of PayJunction, where he provides vision and leadership for the company as it pioneers payment technology and delivers operational efficiencies for businesses. Founded in 2000, PayJunction has consistently redefined the payment processing industry through innovation, customer advocacy, and transparent pricing. References Shahbandeh, M. 2024. “Pet Ownership by Generation U.S. 2023.” Statista. January 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130651/pet-ownership-by-generation-us/. PYMNTS. 2023. “Tracking the Digital Payments Takeover: Digital Wallets, E-Commerce, and Debit.” PYMNTS. October 20, 2023. https://www.pymnts.com/study/tracking-digital-payments-takeover-digital-wallets-ecommerce-debit/. EY. 2023. “How Gen Z Is Changing the Payments Landscape.” EY. October 12, 2023. https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/payments/how-gen-z-is-changing-the-payments-landscape. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 2023. “Straight Talk About Veterinary Workforce Issues.” AVMA. July 25, 2023. https://www.avma.org/news/straight-talk-about-veterinary-workforce-issues.
