Thinking of changing my vets

[John]

Originally Posted by Kazz

Meant to say though its my one "most annoying habit" people who allow there pets to almost "run riot" in vets.

My vets have applied for planning permision to build a cats/small animal waiting room away from the dogs they have plenty of room but the council keep saying no..

[babycakes]

Kazz, It is horrible, poor baby has come a long way but these things can set him back, although he is getting better, I go because it's necessary but I could see some people not going which also isn't fair.
Mad John for the council to reject isn't it????

[Grete]

My vets is actually an animal hospital and they have a couple of branches one of which is cat only. If that branch was closer, I would take the girls there but since the one they do go to is literally 2 minutes in the car, it seems silly to subject them to a 30 minute drive. The vets are great there as well and always make a fuss of the girls.

The waiting room is spacious and I've never had a problem with overcrowding and they are very keen on making sure dogs aren't allowed to run riot - I've seen them ask an owner with a rambunctious dog to wait in a side room before.

Usually I get seen quite quickly, the odd times it has taken longer is because an emergency has come in and I am more than happy to wait while the poor animal has been seen to.

All in all I am really happy with them.

[angieh]

My vet has a notice on the door saying that all animals have to be either in a pet carrier or on a lead. It is a tiny waiting room and I've been there with Merlin and there have been other cats and dogs waiting (waiting times can be long as there is usually only 1 vet there at a time). Some people keep their animals outside in their cars. There has never been any trouble while I have been there.

P'raps need to say it is a very rural practice.

[yola]

Yes, Mags is right. Our vet effectively rebuilt their practice and in doing so created separate waiting areas (and also consulting rooms and operating theatres) for cats and dogs. It works really well, as I am quite allergic to dogs and it was always a bit of a trial going into a joint waiting area. Apart from that, yes, the vets we see now are specialist in cat care and the whole experience is far more relaxed for all concerned.

If you have the opportunity to try it I would do so, especially as you were kept waiting so long out in the car which is a bit out of order!

[Erin]

our vets have a seperate waiting area.
it used to be an old pub,there is a large waiting area for the dogs and a slightly smaller area for cats and caged animals behind what was the old bar.

[Fran]

That looks a fabby place BC!! You must let us know what you think of it if you decide to change vets

[yola]

I must've missed that link; their offering is brilliant! You just have to read it to know that they really do care. And it's excellent that they've been winning awards after not long being open. If it were me, I really would be considering moving to them.

[Amber]

That sounds like a great idea

We do have seperate waiting areas for dogs and cats, and also have signs up all around the waiting areas asking that dogs be kept on leads, and cats in carriers. If any dog is "running riot", the owner is asked politely if they would mind waiting outside or in the lobby until they are called for their consultation. We also have a side entrance for nervous or aggressive dogs.

Our hospitalisation wards are also seperated into dogs and cats, will other small animals often being placed into the cat ward for peace and quiet.

We also received the FAB award last year, and our head nurse received a "cynthia award" for great 'cattitude'.

A vets purely dedicated to cats has to be good, as like you say, this shall be the area that they specialise in - good luck if you decide to change!