The pet-friendly veterinary practice: a guide for practitioners

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2014 May;44(3):451-81. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.010.

Abstract

Low-stress handling is important for the safety of the veterinary staff and for the welfare of the patient. The commitment to ensuring the emotional well-being of the patient should be equal to that shown toward the physical well-being of the animals under a veterinarian's care. Before handling animals it is essential to assess the environment and the patient's response to it. Taking the time to create a behavior handling plan makes future visits easier and bonds clients to the practice. Understanding how and when to use handling tools is key to making patient visits safer, more humane, and more efficient.

Keywords: Chemical restraint; Handling tools; Low-stress handling; Patient welfare; Pheromones; Safe restraint; Staff safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Cats*
  • Dogs*
  • Environment
  • Hospitals, Animal*
  • Pets*