All dogs and cats should see the vet regularly for checkups and preventative care. As such, as a pet owner, you will find yourself in the pet clinic pretty regularly. It is therefore a good idea to familiarize yourself with the proper etiquette to follow during a visit to the pet clinic. This will help keep you, the veterinary staff, and other patients healthy and comfortable.
Let your pet use the bathroom first.
Accidents happen, and if your pet happens to pee or poop in the veterinary office, the vet staff will be understanding. However, it is still good etiquette to give your dog or cat a chance to go potty before you head to the vet clinic, thereby reducing your chances of an accident.
Pay attention to "cat" and "dog" signs.
In some veterinary offices, there are separate waiting areas for dogs and cats. Pay attention to these signs, and make sure you are sitting in the appropriate areas. Your dog may not mind cats, or your cat may not be bothered by dogs — but other clients' pets may be bothered by other species, and sitting in the proper area helps keep them calm.
Keep your pet contained.
Keep your dog on a leash while in the waiting area. Keep your cat in the carrier. No matter how calm your pet is at home, they may become nervous and anxious at the unfamiliar vet clinic, and keeping them contained is the safest choice for everyone. Make sure your leash is strong or your carrier is secure before you leave your home.
If you need help handling your pet, ask for it.
Veterinary staff are trained in handling pets, and they'll be happy to help you manage your cat or dog if you're having trouble getting them to sit still and remain calm. But it is considered good etiquette to ask for help if needed. Don't assume the staff will jump in without being asked, and they are likely busy and may also not want to encroach on your pet handling without being invited. There's nothing wrong with admitting you need a little help with a nervous pet; it's often the safest move for everyone involved.
Once you visit the pet clinic a few times, you will get a better sense of the etiquette expected in this situation. If you start by simply following the tips above, you will be off to a good start.
Owning a dog is enjoyable for many people and these pets are a significant part of their family. An important aspect of dog ownership is to ensure the animal has regular veterinary care. We aren't veterinarians, but we do understand the importance of vet care for pets. We've interviewed many animal doctors to learn about veterinary care and we've written this blog to share our findings.
The posts on this site will outline the frequency of wellness visits and vaccinations for your pet. You'll also discover warning signs that indicate your pet is in distress and in need of immediate medical help. We hope the articles on this blog will answer the questions you have about veterinary care for your dog so your pet can stay healthy for a long time.