Align-ju FEATURE
We structured meetings so we could focus on each part of the dog ' s journey through the hospital. We began with discussing the waiting area and pre-visit advice we could give to clients with nervous dogs. We then considered dog-friendly ways to improve the experience of hospitalised patients in our wards.
By focusing on a different area in each meeting, we could explore lots of ideas. This is how we came up with the idea to offer clients a bandana for their dog when they arrive, which we spray with Pet Remedy, and the owner can hold it or the dog can wear it if they are comfortable with it( Figure 1). The bandanas help to relieve stress and act as a visual aid for other clients and staff to make them aware that the dogs might be nervous and want more space than usual.
Figure 2. Dogs can play with donated toys in reception.
We have a couple of VNs with behaviour qualifications who have been involved. One of them hosted a client evening discussing behaviour and how to help nervous dogs. The other created a nervous dog protocol, which included guidance on handling nervous dogs and considerations such as using sedation or changing your approach to a situation if the dog is displaying signs of fear.
One of our receptionists created a PowerPoint presentation with advice we can give clients over the phone and in the waiting room, and a VN at Anna ' s branch, who is very creative, has made some fantastic posters for our client areas.
It can be hard to communicate with everyone, being a big practice with several branches, but I use a noticeboard to display behavioural posters, continuing professional development( CPD) and updates. I also send updates via email, and hope people read them!
Figure 1. Dogs are given bandanas sprayed with Pet Remedy.
When we were discussing the consulting rooms, we decided to trial toy boxes to encourage positive interactions and fun during visits. We set up a box in reception for owners to donate old toys we could reuse( Figure 2). This was a success, and last year we donated excess toys to a local charity for Christmas. We make sure the toys are cleaned between patients and use them alongside treats. We have had positive feedback from clients who have said it has made a difference during their visits to the practice.
How did you go about implementing your ideas?
One of the branch vets, Anna Harding, is lead vet for the group. Together, we delegate tasks to the other group members and match up ideas to people who might be best suited to the task.
The Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme we have joined also supports advocates by facilitating monthly discussion sessions, hosting‘ lunch and learns’, providing training to new staff members, and engaging people through quizzes and team meetings.
I ' m now working on getting a representative from each department within the hospital to attend meetings and be more involved, with the hope that information will trickle-feed to more people through word of mouth and discussions within smaller teams.
Tell us more about Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme certification.
We had been working on making dog-friendly changes across the practices for about a year and thought it would be good if we could find a practice certification for dogs, as we already had the feline practice certification. We came across the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme, a collaborative project between Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association( BVBA), which suited our practice requirements, and got the ball rolling with them. The application was clear about what
Volume 41( 5) • October 2026
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