Dogs Trust and BVBA scheme aims to ensure dogs have positive experience at vets.

To ensure that dogs and their owners have a positive experience when visiting veterinary clinics, Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) have launched a new Dog Friendly Clinic scheme.

The new subscription scheme will help practice staff develop dog behaviour knowledge and skills so they are better able to recognise and address the early signs of anxiety.

The service is available to all veterinary professionals, and will give advice on how to help dogs stay calm in clinics. It will also provide information to dog owners on how they can prepare their pets before an appointment.

Membership will include access to dog behaviour CPD, a certificate and badge to demonstrate a commitment to clients to improve the clinic experience for dogs.

Director of canine behaviour and research at Dogs Trust Rachel Casey said: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful. We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.

“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”

BVBA promotes education, based on science and good evidence, of the veterinary and animal behaviour professions. The charity ecourages both professions to work closely together to improve the welfare of all animals.

Chair of BVBA Chris Laurence said: “Dog anxiety when visiting the vet can be traumatising for everyone involved and may even put off owners seeking veterinary help when needed. Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.

Image (C) Dogs Trust