We have been honoured with a prestigious award for its high quality of care for dogs.
Boundary Vets has received Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest canine charity and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).
Sharon Dumper, client care assistant at Boundary Vets, who is also a dog advocate along with clinical nursing manager Jess Gardner, said: “We are extremely proud of our dog friendly accreditation.
“We have worked very hard ensuring we meet all the criteria. The new layout at the practice is more spacious and includes special shelving so cats don’t have to see dogs, while the dog area is better designed and has more room.
“There’s also sunken floor scales in reception, as we know some dogs are nervous of going on scales, and these have proved to be a success.”
Other canine friendly measures include new enrichment toys, plus looking out for nervous dogs and ways to help, such as letting the owner take a pager and wait outside until they need to go inside.
We are also looking to put together an information folder with useful tips and ideas for our clients to read while visiting us.
Additionally, we are aiming to have scales in a safe area outside the practice for those dogs who are very nervous or reactive to other dogs, so they can enter through a quieter, rear entrance.
Sharon added: “It is an ongoing process and we aim to keep up to date with new ideas and developments through the Dogs Trust.”
Dr Rachel Casey, Director of Strategy and Transformation at Dogs Trust, 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.”
Chris Laurence, chair of BVBA, said: “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.
“We’re delighted Boundary Vets has joined our dog friendly community. By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”
