How to reduce stress in the veterinary waiting room

Abstract

The veterinary environment has been seen to be a stressful environment for patients. This stress can have a negative impact on the welfare of inpatients and result in dangerous interactions between owners/staff and patients.The waiting room is the first exposure a patient has to the veterinary environment. By taking measures to ensure the environment is as stress free as possible the likelihood of patient stress can be reduced.This article highlights measures that can be taken to reduce stress within the waiting room. These range from building layout to pheromone therapy. By utilising as many of the highlighted options as possible stress within the waiting room may be reduced. This will have a positive effect on the consultation and subsequent visits to the practice.