Finding Fulfillment in Every Visit

From supporting veterinary teams to celebrating their successes, Covetrus rep Becky Slayton Parmeter explains what makes even the busiest days worthwhile.

Growing up surrounded by Golden Retrievers that were bred, trained and shown by her mother, Becky Slayton Parmeter had an early appreciation for the dedication and responsibility that animal care demands.

“Training and caring for dogs never felt like work to me; it became a passion shaped by quality mentors and capable dogs,” she said.

That passion led Parmeter through a variety of roles — including kennel assistant, technician assistant, practice manager and veterinary sales professional. She also volunteered at a veterinary hospital on the South Pacific island of Rarotonga, helping care for dogs, cats, pigs and goats. “Although I had always felt connected to veterinary medicine, that experience truly confirmed that this was the industry where I belonged,” she said.

Now a Covetrus veterinary sales specialist, she draws on each of those experiences, which have strengthened her passion for supporting both animals and the people who care for them.

Foundational experiences

Parmeter credits one decision in particular with shaping the career she has today: earning her business degree from the University of Oregon while working at an emergency veterinary hospital.

“That experience brought together my background in animal husbandry, education and business, and ultimately shaped the career path I follow today,” she said.

Working in emergency medicine gave her a deeper appreciation for the veterinary profession while reinforcing the importance of communication during some of the most emotional moments pet owners face. Helping clients understand their pets’ care became one of the most rewarding aspects of the job and continues to influence how she approaches her work today.

Today, Parmeter serves as both a consultant and trusted resource for veterinary practices. Over the years, she said her role has continued to evolve through constant learning and collaboration with the professionals she supports.

“I am eager to expand my knowledge because the more I learn, the better I can support the practices I work with,” she said. “Situations I encounter today may be handled differently than earlier in my career because I have a deeper understanding of the challenges veterinary professionals face and how to provide meaningful support, communication and partnership.”

Helping practices flourish

Parmeter said she is driven by helping veterinarians thrive as clinicians, business leaders and trusted members of their communities.

“Seeing practitioners succeed as healthcare professionals and as leaders within their communities motivates me the most when working with veterinary practices,” she said. “I value being a trusted resource for the hospitals I support, and I strive to empower every member of the veterinary team.”

Parmeter believes the strongest veterinary practices share one common trait: a culture built around collaboration and exceptional patient care. “Practices that invest in teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to quality medicine are better positioned to thrive in today’s market.”

She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, noting that professional development is essential as veterinary medicine continues to evolve. In her role with Covetrus, Parmeter focuses on understanding each practice’s unique goals and challenges so she can provide meaningful support through education, resources, products and trusted guidance.

At the same time, she recognizes that today’s veterinary teams are navigating significant obstacles. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while meeting growing patient demand remains one of the profession’s greatest challenges, particularly as practices continue to address staffing shortages and combat burnout.

Financial pressures also weigh heavily on veterinary practices as rising costs for medications, equipment and day-to-day operations require thoughtful decision-making without compromising patient care. Add to that increasingly informed pet owners who expect timely communication, advanced treatment options and an exceptional client experience, and veterinary teams face a delicate balancing act.

Finally, client expectations continue to evolve. Pet owners today are more informed and expect timely communication, advanced care options and a high level of service. “Balancing these expectations while protecting the well-being of veterinary teams and maintaining clinical standards is something many practices are actively working through,” she said.

Finding joy

Outside of work, Parmeter’s passion for animals doesn’t end when the workday does. She continues to raise and train dogs, a lifelong interest that began in childhood and remains one of her greatest joys.

“My dogs keep me very busy, and I love that my career aligns so closely with my passion for raising and training dogs,” she said. “Caring for and working with animals has always been a meaningful part of my life, both personally and professionally.”

She also enjoys traveling with family and friends, with Mexico among her favorite destinations. One of her most memorable adventures came in 2024, when she and her mother traveled to Zimbabwe for a safari — an experience she describes as unforgettable and one that deepened her appreciation for wildlife and the natural world.

Whether at work or at home, Parmeter said the same principles guide her decisions: lead by example, act with integrity and never stop learning.

“I believe that building strong relationships through trust, communication and compassion creates the greatest long-term impact,” she said. “Growth comes from experience and staying open to learning from others.”

The industry’s greatest strength

As veterinary medicine continues to embrace new technologies and innovations, Parmeter sees tremendous opportunities for practices to elevate patient care while operating more efficiently. Advances in diagnostics, treatment options, communication tools and practice management systems will continue to reshape the profession over the next decade, she said.

At the same time, she believes the industry’s greatest strength will always be its people and the relationships they build.

“Compassion, trust and personal connection will always remain at the heart of veterinary medicine,” she said. “Balancing innovation with relationship-centered care will be essential for the future of the industry.”

That perspective also shapes how she sees her own career evolving. Rather than focusing on transactions, Parmeter envisions serving as an even stronger consultant and strategic partner for the practices she supports.

“I see my role continuing to evolve more toward a consultative partnership, where sales become a natural byproduct of the value and support I provide to veterinary practices,” she said. “As the industry advances, I believe there will be an even greater need for trusted advisors who understand both the clinical and operational sides of veterinary medicine.”