We’ve all been frustrated by someone at the clinic waiting room who allows their pet to annoy others.
Cats
- A contained cat is a safe cat. A cat in a carrier is less afraid than one held on your shoulder, neck, or head, especially when two mastiffs walk in.
- A cat carried into a mixed species practice in your arms is a disaster waiting to happen.
- A cat in a carrier can’t scratch anyone. Some cats are calmer in pillowcases than in carriers, and pillowcases make a great alternative when the carrier is lost somewhere in the garage.
- An exception to the “cats can’t scratch when contained” practice involves some cardboard carriers that have round air holes through which a cat can stick out a front leg and whap anything within reach.
- Don’t force your cat to interact with the cat, dog, human, or ferret in the waiting room.
Dogs
- Leash your dog, but not with a flexi. Our clinic will have one for you if you need it. This rule applies to all dogs, even guide dogs, dogs with obedience titles, puppies, dogs who weigh 2 pounds, the little squirt bouncing around trying to hump knees, and the friendly dog who wants to greet everyone with a slobbery kiss.
- Give your dog the chance to relieve herself before coming inside.
- If your dog has an accident in the lobby – nerves can do that to the best of us! – let the front desk know so it can be cleaned up.
- Ask permission before approaching other people’s animals to pet or play.
- Some dogs in the hospital waiting room are ill and pulling a Greta Garbo - they just want to be left alone. Respect that.
- Keep your dog away from other dogs, even if he just wants to say hi or grab a quick sniff.
- Suggestion 6 applies to puppies in particular. Some adult dogs dislike puppy energy even when they’re feeling well. Plus – and this is a big plus – some puppies haven’t finished their vaccination series and it’s foolish to expose them to unknown illnesses.
- If your dog is ill and undiagnosed, assume something could be contagious and stay far away from other dogs until proven otherwise.
- If your dog is aggressive or scared, don’t let her near other pets. Also, sit far away from the front desk to alleviate tension.
- If some person or pet is bothering your dog, ask them to stop and then get up and move. You are responsible for your dog’s well-being.
