As an animal care provider, ensuring the best possible experience for your furry and feathered patients is paramount. Although you can’t control external factors, there are several ways to significantly improve their time spent at your clinic. Here, we outline a few renovation tips to create a more stress-free environment for pets visiting the vet.
First, evaluate whether a complete redesign of your space is needed. Poor clinic layouts can cause undue stress as animals from different, sometimes conflicting, species may have to interact. This setup can also affect pet owners’ perceptions of your practice. A thoughtful redesign can help avoid such negative experiences.
Prioritizing a smooth traffic flow is essential. An efficient layout can reduce stressors like encounters with other animals, unfamiliar people, and loud noises. Consider separate entrances for cats and dogs and installing double doors in vestibules to prevent congestion. Private rooms or designated areas based on species or activity level can also help minimize stress.
In addition, use materials and furnishings that prevent slipping, nail snagging, or getting stuck. Pet-friendly walking surfaces and soft, durable seating can make both pets and owners more comfortable. Built-in seating, rather than chairs, can prevent leashes from becoming tangled.
Lighting should also be carefully considered. Bright, sterile environments can be unsettling for both humans and animals. Dimmable LED fixtures and natural light can create a more calming atmosphere, though window placement should be strategic to avoid stress-inducing views.
Color selection plays a significant role in creating a calming environment. Research shows that color theory affects animals more than previously believed. Choose soothing colors like blue, violet, and pastel green, while avoiding mint green, which is often associated with unpleasant medical settings.
The idea of renovating a veterinary clinic may seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and support, it can be done with minimal disruption to routine care. For further advice on managing stress during a clinic renovation, refer to the infographic highlighted alongside this post, courtesy of RWE Design Build.
Renovations That Can Reduce Animal Stress was created by RWE Design Build, a build and design company in Florida
