Etiquette in the veterinary clinic reception area
What Every Pet Owner Should Know Before Entering the Waiting Room
Some animals will equate visiting the animal hospital or having the veterinarian visit their home as something to be guarded about. Whether it is the scent of disinfectants, sounds they hear unfamiliar to them, or a disagreeable memory, pets and livestock can act differently when in the presence of veterinary staff. Nonetheless, we can all agree that taking your pet to the animal hospital or having the vet come to your farm creates an air of uncertainty that is unsettling for the animals as well as their caregivers.
Some reception areas in animal hospitals are large enough to allow easy passage in, around, and eventually out. Some have separate rooms where cats and their caregivers are separated from dogs and their caregivers. It seems smart and reasonable since oftentimes cats are scared, and if approached by an unknown dog in the waiting area, they can become even more agitated. This heightened fear doesn’t create a smooth transition into the examination room, where the doctor and tech will need to perform their examinations, etc. Some reception areas have a single entrance, are compact, and house both dogs and cats together in the same space. This setup can create tension for both humans and animals alike.
Let’s talk a bit about reception area etiquette.
Animals come into the clinic because they are either sick or in pain, not just for routine checkups. Keeping animals away from each other is not only considerate but also prevents your pet from possibly contracting an illness.
Keep your dog on a tight leash and under control at all times.
If your dog is easygoing and usually does well at the animal hospital, check in at the desk and immediately take a seat away from the entryway. Doing this ensures a clear pathway allowing others to enter and navigate the room more easily. *** Remember that even though your dog is an agreeable type and may not bite, the next dog that enters may not be.
With a known reactive dog, it’s best to wait outside where you and your dog can be safe. Call the receptionist when you arrive, but remain outside until called in.
If you’re unsure how your dog will react, follow #4.
Save dog socialization for the dog park. Do not let dogs play with one another. It can escalate into more aggressive play and can be very disturbing to other pets and disruptive to ongoing appointments in other rooms.
Animal hospitals require cats to be in a carrier for obvious reasons. Please keep your dog at a safe distance from cats in carriers to avoid causing them additional stress or trauma.
It's important to remember that some pets may be at the clinic for their final visit, as euthanasia appointments are a solemn reality of veterinary care. Showing courtesy and compassion is crucial during these moments. Being mindful of this possibility can significantly reduce stress for everyone in the waiting area and create a more supportive environment for those facing a difficult time.
Follow instructions given to you by the veterinary staff, such as where to wait and whether it is safe to enter a particular area of the hospital. Unexpected encounters can startle an unsuspecting animal and cause them to lash out.
The reception area is a busy, noisy place — phones ringing, dogs barking, cats meowing, doors opening and closing, and people talking. It’s also a high-traffic area. Some clients may only be stopping in for food or medicine. If there is only one reception area, these clients will also require assistance, along with those who have appointments. Patience goes a long way when there may only be 1 or 2 reception staff caring for everyone.
Notify staff immediately if your animal has had an accident on the floor. The more quickly it can be cleaned up, the less likely others will come in contact with it. Any excretions can be sources of disease, so it’s very important to keep areas clean and sanitized at all times.
Make sure your cat’s carrier is secure. If your carrier should open inadvertently, the cat can escape, causing harm to itself and others. They also run the risk of getting outside should the door open while they are loose. If the clinic has a road nearby, the cat could be hit by a car if allowed to exit.
This is a stressful time for everyone. By following some simple rules of etiquette while at the veterinary clinic, you alleviate any added anxiety for your pets and yourself.