Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme

Westport Veterinary Clinic has joined the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme, an initiative run by Dogs Trust and
the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA), to ensure the most comfortable veterinary care
experience possible for dogs and their owners.

Many dogs find vet visits stressful, which can result in them being unwilling to enter clinics, being difficult
to examine, and worried during treatment. The Dog Friendly Clinic scheme helps practice staff develop
dog behaviour knowledge and skills so they can recognise and address early signs of anxiety and
improve the welfare of dogs whilst in the clinic. This means improved safety for staff and customers and
helps the client-clinic bond.

Through the scheme created by Dogs Trust and the BVBA, canine experts provide the tools for clinic
staff to learn more about dog behaviour, including how pain and health conditions can be contributing
factors to behaviour, and how to reduce the impact of visiting the vet for dogs.
Through the subscription service, available to all veterinary professionals, advice is provided on how to
help dogs remain calm in clinics as well as guidance for dog owners on preparing their pets in advance.

Benefits of the Dog Friendly Clinics membership include access to dog behaviour CPD, a certificate and
badge to demonstrate a commitment to clients to improve the clinic experience for dogs.