Testimonials

Hear what some of our clients have to say about their
experience working with Gatto McFerson.

When I was offered the chance to purchase my practice in 1989, I knew that I needed skilled, experienced advisors on my side of the table. I was thoroughly impressed with Lou Gatto's insight, knowledge, and confidence. He consistently maintained a positive, solution-oriented, "win-win" style - and by the end of the negotiations, his advice had already paid for itself many times over.

For the last 19 years, Lou Gatto and subsequently Tom McFerson have provided excellent advice on all the business aspects of running a veterinary hospital: accounting, tax preparation, payroll, human resources information, etc. In addition, they helped prepare and negotiate the sale of part of the practice to my current partner, Dr. Philip Gill; and finally, they have been instrumental in devising succession planning for the future of our practice with respect to our current associates.

Over the following two decades, Lou and Tom's advice has been invaluable, as our practice has grown from 3 DVMs to 28. Without question, our practice would never have achieved a fraction of its prosperity, growth, and caliber without the past 19 years of support, guidance, and insight of Gatto-McFerson. Day-to-day management, tax planning, buy-sell agreements, succession planning... no matter what the question may be, I know that I can always rely on Lou and Tom for accurate, timely and wise counsel. I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend their services to my veterinary colleagues.

Scott M. Anderson, DVM, DACVS, DACVECC, DABVP
Animal Surgical & Emergency Center – Los Angeles, CA

Tom McFerson of Gatto McFerson has been a huge asset to our specialty and emergency practice as both a business consultant and tax accountant.  Tom is easy to talk to, responsive to questions, reliable with time lines and information, and helpful in tax planning.  His experience and understanding specific to emergency and specialty practices has been very helpful to us as newer business owners.  His straightforward explanations and approach to accounting has helped us to combine in house bookkeeping with experienced oversight. We would highly recommend him.     

Beth Davidow, DVM DACVECC and Jean Maixner, DVM, Owners
Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services
Seattle, Washington 

I have been practicing veterinary medicine for twenty six years and have used Lou Gatto as my personal accountant for about twenty four years. I initially contacted him to consult on a partnership buy-in. I had read a management article in one of the veterinary trade magazines that he had written. The buy-in went forward and over the years Gatto McFerson has continued to advise me on important financial decisions and has made significant contributions to creating a successful practice and personal wealth. I would strongly recommend Gatto McFerson.

James R. Matteson, DVM
Tracy Veterinary Clinic – Tracy, CA

I have been a practicing veterinarian for thirty three years and have worked with Gatto McFerson for twenty five of them. I originally met Lou Gatto at a continuing education meeting where he was speaking and it was obvious that the had a profound knowledge of the veterinary profession and understood both the business and culture of veterinary medicine.

Gatto McFerson has helped me with all types of general accounting and advice for both the corporation and my personal financial needs. They have helped us increase our practice’s value and always give us perspective on how we stand relative to others in the industry. They have been an important part of our ‘success equation.’

Lloyd Pilch, DVM
Animal Medical Center, Inc. – Van Nuys, CA

I first met Lou Gatto when he gave a talk to my veterinary class. It was the first and only business class that we received. I was amazed at some of the things he told us and approached him after class. I discussed my taxes that I had been doing on my own (as a student they were not very complex). He told me he could do them for me as well as get me more money back on previous years. He did and I was sold. He has been my accountant for 30 years since that day.

He helped me through the times when I was an associate, with the purchase of my first practice, and with the purchase of my current practice. It is invaluable to have someone who is very knowledgeable about the economics of running a veterinary practice to be able to advise you on management and tax issues. He has run practices as well as advised many others on running practices. This experience has given him the knowledge of what works and what doesn't work. Thus I get to feed off that knowledge and benefit from his experience. He has given me many practice tips and has helped me make some good decisions and more importantly not to make some bad decisions on several issues.

His services have been a valuable tool for me and that is why I have been a loyal client for so many years. He is very personable and fun to talk with. I almost look forward to tax season, knowing we will be having our annual review conversation.

Jeffrey S. Grudin, DVM
Ocean Animal Clinic – Santa Cruz, CA