Vetiquette
By: Peggie Arvidson-Dailey
This week my dog Kiera had to go to the vet. I'll spare you the gory
details, but I can assure you, there was no doubt in my mind that
something was not right with my normally perfect girl.
While I was at the Vet I struck up a conversation with the team there
about some of the things they wish people would remember when they
bring their pets in for care. As we talked I realized that there's
some great information here - especially since we shared a few giggles
and a few gasps about some pretty rude behavior. Voila! A column on
"vetiquette."
So, here are some things, courtesy of my hard-working front-desk
friends at Del Ray Animal Hospital, to keep in mind to make sure you
don't find yourself on the wrong side of the "vetiquette" police.
1. You're not the only one with a sick animal who is nervous at the
office. Try to take into consideration the fact that every person in
the waiting room has a sick animal - or at least one that's not
necessarily pleased to be there.
2. Remember people go to the vet for different reasons. Some may be
getting over a devastating diagnosis while sitting quietly in the
waiting room. Some may have just put their companion to rest after
battling an illness. Even if you have the cutest puppy in the world,
they may not really be in the mood to be reminded of happier times
with their own pet.
3. Not everyone is a "dog person" or a "cat person." Don't assume that
folks in the waiting room want to play with your pets or appreciate
being slobbered, kissed, or purred on by your pride and joy.
4. Vet Clients are entitled to the same privacy as people-doctor
clients. When you head to the doctor and you're getting ready to pay,
you don't expect to have other patients leaning over the counter,
looking at your receipt or listening to your diagnosis, do you? When
you leave the examining room, realize that it will take a bit to
process your receipt and if the front desk staff is busy with another
client, respect their privacy and let them finish before you elbow
your way up to the desk. Remember, financial stuff that isn't yours
isn't your business.
5. Don't offer treats to pets that don't belong to you. This is a
plain petiquette rule. No matter where you are, please don't feed
someone else's dog or cat. Even if it is your pet's favorite homemade
liver treat. Remember, one of the reasons that pet may be at the vet's
office can be tummy trouble!
6. Keep your cat in the carrier. I thought this was a no-brainer, but
I've been assured that there are lots of people who insist that
"Pookie" just hates the carrier and is perfectly behaved in all
situations. Generally this assurance is coming as the owner is proudly
watching Pookie walk across the front desk.
7. You are as important as the next person. Meaning, you and your pets
needs are of equal importance as those of every other client at the
clinic. Speaking rudely, disregarding rules (like cats in the
carriers), and pushing other clients' paperwork out of your way do not
make you a more important pet-owner. In fact, it may make some people
utter, "there's an attitude only a pet would love!"
The staff at every clinic goes out of their way to treat each and
every pet with care, attention and tenderness. Sharing that attitude
with your fellow vet clients can go a long way to keeping you out of
'vetiquette' jail!
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(c) 2006 Peggie Arvidson-Dailey. Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the owner
of Peggie's Pet Services (one of the Region's BEST pet-care companies,
as rated by The Washingtonian Magazine.) She's also an engaging and
lively speaker on topics related to the love affair between dogs and
their humans. She's an advocate for happy and healthy homes for all
species and is eager to assist in creating them. If you want a monthly
dose of tips and golden nuggets of information on living with and
caring for your pet throughout his life, be sure to subscribe to "The
Care of Pets" at
http://www.peggiespets.com
(http://www.peggiespets.com
). Peggie is also a pet-care business
advocate and the founder of the Pet Care Business Success University,
which can be found at http://www.petcareuniversity.com
(http://www.petcareuniversity.com).
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