Things to Think About Before Entering
- Cat Carriers
Even though we highly recommend it, not all feline patients come to the hospital in a carrier. So, if they are loose in their owner’s arms, they may be able to jump out and run away if a dog approaches them unexpectedly.
- Not All Dogs Are Friendly
Just because your dog is friendly and calm at the vet doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone else is, too. The other dogs in the waiting room may not be eager to meet a new friend. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and consider other pets besides your own. There may also be friendly dogs who aren’t feeling well and are here because they’re sick and may not want to say hi right now.
- What Type Of Leash To Use
Most leashes are around 6 ft in length or can extend further. We recommend getting a leash with a secondary handle for a short length so you can easily take control of your dog and keep them close to you when walking near other pets. Please do NOT allow your dog to have the full length of the leash when inside the hospital. It’s also important to not let your pet lead the way. They should be on a short leash controlled at your side, with the owner leading the way. This way the owner can appropriately assess what’s happening inside the building and react appropriately to control their dog.
- Do You Have Treats Ready?
If it’s appropriate for your pet’s routine, we recommend having treats with you. This can help distract your pet if needed and reward your pet by implementing positive reinforcement for good behavior when at the vet.
- Layout of our Waiting Room (& why)
Our waiting room has two barriers to block off two seating areas. These are not just for decoration, they serve the purpose of helping block dog eye contact and interactions.
For our canine patients, we have a water bowl if they are thirsty and bandanas sprayed with a canine-specific calming pheromone. We encourage patients to wear them for their appointments.
For our feline patients, we have “cat carrier parking” tables and blankets sprayed with a feline-specific calming pheromone. We encourage owners to place them over the carriers for their appointments.
For our clients, we have a slideshow on our TV of important information and brochures you’re welcome to take regarding trustworthy resources.
Our waiting room has pet-friendly music proven by Vets to reduce stress, and calming pheromones in an outlet diffuser to fill the room.
If you are the only person in the waiting area, please sit in the section by the windows behind the first barrier. If other patients arrive after you, they can easily go to the middle section and avoid interaction.
If seated in the middle barrier section, please keep your pet close instead of having a longer lead and going around the barrier. This can be alarming for a patient walking in who doesn’t know you are there and may cause a negative interaction.
- The Elevator
When you enter the hospital, there will be an elevator door to your left where patients may be coming on/off because Dr. Collins sees patients in her office downstairs. This is another reason why it is important to keep your pet on a close leash, be aware of your surroundings, and follow the directions of the receptionists who know where patients are located.
What if my dog is happy to be at the vet?
If your dog is happy to be here and is calm, that’s great! We’re grateful to provide them with a space in which they’re comfortable.
However, if your dog is overly excited, it may not necessarily mean they are happy. High anxiety in dogs can be mistaken for excitement which can quickly escalate. So, no matter how your pet’s energy level seems, it is still important to keep them close.
How do I walk through the doors properly?
If your dog is pulling when walking into the building, then have them sit and stay before opening each door. They need to learn not to pull or lead the way, and to wait for you. It’s okay to take a moment to sit, pause, and regroup in the vestibule area before entering the waiting room.
When you walk through the door, you won’t know if other patients are in the waiting area. Please wait for the receptionists to direct you and give guidance on where it is best for your wait.
If we ask you to wait outside, please do not take offense. This may have nothing to do with your dog, but alternatively, have everything to do with another dog in the waiting room who arrived before you that we need to put in an exam room before he interacts with another dog.
What should I do when I get to my seat?
When you are in your seat, the work isn’t finished. It is your responsibility to keep your dog close and calm. It’s not unusual for your pet to want to sniff and explore, but it’s your job as their owner to keep them under control and not wander and possibly disturb another patient. Instead, have them sit, stay focused on you with a treat or toy, and try to limit their ability to be distracted by other patients. You should also keep your pet on a short leash while sitting so they cannot run up and greet anyone suddenly.
What if my dog doesn’t do well with other dogs?
If your pet is dog-reactive, please consider calling us from the car to avoid the waiting room altogether. We would be happy to come to your vehicle and bring you in the side door directly into an exam room to avoid any negative patient interactions.
Why are we so concerned about dog interactions? Isn’t that a good thing?
If we let our pets get too amped-up in the waiting room or let him amp up another patient, then it can start a domino effect for their visit and others. The success of your pet’s visit will be greatly determined by their experience upon arrival.
If a dog is too worked up and anxious or upset from their waiting room experience, they may not be able to be examined or receive all the treatments they need. So, keeping all patients calm and quiet in the waiting room significantly impacts all those involved.
If two patients were to meet face-to-face, they may be fine, they may not – we don’t know. This is why preventing those interactions as much as possible is important. When your pet visits the Vet, it isn’t a social event.
Being aware and in control of your pet will help you, your pet, our staff, and the other patients in the hospital. We kindly ask owners to be aware of their surroundings so that everyone can have a successful visit.
Our goal at Telford Vet is to make your pet’s experience as calm, comfortable, and successful as possible. In addition to the many things we do on our end to help that be possible, we greatly appreciate the participation of pet owners to do their part, as well.
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