Safety and Etiquette at the Vet

Pets’ attitudes toward arriving at veterinary, grooming, and boarding facilities vary widely. Some dogs dance through the front door, eagerly searching for snacks, while others appear so worried that we need to carry them inside. Cats, typically stressed, often attempt to hide, and small mammals and birds may show varying levels of interest or agitation. Every pet is an individual, just like us.

It’s especially endearing when dogs attempt to “check out” another dog, but it can be overwhelming for the other pet. Even when two dogs clearly want to play, another nearby pet might be disturbed by the extra activity. Cats hearing strange dogs playing nearby, even if they live with dogs of their own, often become very upset.

Considering this, it’s best to keep your animal close and not allow or encourage interactions with other pets. You never know if a pet is waiting for a routine wellness visit or is here due to illness or pain. The lobby can create significant stimuli and “big feelings” for nearly all patients. Treating the lobby as you would any other waiting room in a medical facility is the best approach, acknowledging the unique minds of our animal companions.

We want clients to know that if they’re ever concerned about their pet’s fear, stress, or anxiety while waiting, they can ask to wait in an exam room if available or wait in their vehicle. Being out of the lobby’s “traffic” provides relief for some pets. There’s zero judgment, and don’t forget, we have pets too!

If staff ever requests you to move with your pet to a specific area or wait outside, please do not take offense or feel embarrassed. The staff is highly trained to observe signs of stress in animals, and they have a broader view of the lobby to ensure all puzzle pieces fit just right.

Whether your pet is a social butterfly when here or would rather be anywhere else, it doesn’t change how we feel about them; we just want them all happy and well.