was required, and the form included links to different resources on their website, which was really useful. We assigned an advocate to each site and began gathering evidence and completing the application forms. Once each site had all the photos, videos and information required for the application, I sent off the applications.
How long did the application process take?
A few months. We had a lot in place already and so it was mainly gathering the evidence, such as photos and videos, showing how we make different areas of the practice, like wards and the waiting room, dog-friendly and demonstrating low-stress handling techniques( Figures 3 and 4).
As I mentioned before, the advocate at each branch completed their own form because they knew how their practice was set up. As some of the branches don ' t provide hospitalisation, it was nice that the requirements for the certification were about showing what you do and how you implement dog-friendly practices with the resources that you have.
Is there an annual fee for certification?
Yes, but it depends on the size of the practice and the number of client-facing members of staff. Dogs Trust and BVBA provide an individual quote and help with any queries. The certification gives the whole practice access to the scheme ' s online campus, which provides resources such as CPD, posters and handouts, and social media posts you can upload to your practice social media accounts. They also provide a YouTube link with videos on topics such as identifying body language, learning theories, behavioural medication, how behaviour can link to pain, and behaviour support for different life stages, as well as a certificate, window sticker and badges for all team members.
What do clients think of the dog-friendly clinic?
I think clients appreciate that we ' re trying to make the practice a less scary place for their animals. If they can see that their dog is enjoying playing with a toy and not worrying about what the vet is doing, or is happy to go with the VN because they had a positive experience the time before, then they ' re going to feel more comfortable coming to the practice.
Figure 3. Food is used as part of a low-stress handling technique.
What ' s your favourite idea that has been implemented?
I think the use of toys around the hospital. We ' ve used them in the kennels with hospitalised patients for a while, and spray them with Pet Remedy, and now we have them in consulting rooms, which is a nice addition. We also have a good supply of lick mats, which are great for distracting dogs during examinations and they provide some stimulation while in hospital.
Do you have any more ideas up your sleeve?
Figure 4. Food is used as a distraction during nail clipping.
I ' m trying to get people more involved in writing emotional medical records. Just writing a sentence or two about the animal ' s behaviour and handling preferences can make all the difference in how that animal is handled at their next visit, and means you ' re not starting from scratch with every interaction.
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