As an animal care provider, you want what’s best for your furry and feathered patients. While you can’t control what goes on outside your workplace, there are ways to help make their time with you at the office significantly better. Below, we’ll go over a few renovation tips on creating a less stressful experience during a pet’s visit to the vet.
First things first, there’s giving the whole space a rehaul if needed. A poor setup could cause unnecessary stress as animals of different — and at times opposing — species are forced to cross paths with one another. It can also impact how pet owners feel about the establishment and the care their beloved companions receive. Such negative interactions may be avoided with more thoughtful animal shelter designs.
A great place to start is by prioritizing a smooth traffic flow. With a streamlined process and layout, animals may be less likely to encounter stressors such as other pets, strange people, frightening sounds and so on. This can look like having two separate entrances for felines vs. canines and ensuring there are two sets of doors in a vestibule to avoid a traffic jam of anxious pets. This could help them feel less fearful on return visits. Additionally, private rooms or separate areas based on species or rowdiness may also help keep the stress to a minimum.
Other alterations to help reduce stress include incorporating materials and furnishings that eliminate slipping, getting nails snagged or getting stuck underneath. Pet-friendly walking surfaces and furniture with soft, yet durable seating can go a long way in making dogs and people more at ease as well. Additionally, the type of furniture can be key to reducing stress levels. For example, opt for built-in seating vs. chairs that animals can get their leashes tangled under.
Lighting is another important consideration. Bright, sterile rooms are off-putting for not only humans, but also for many animals. You could set a more calming mood and lower the risk of eye strain with dimmable LED lighting fixtures. Natural light via windows also supports peacefulness, however, much thought must be put into their positions as seeing other pets outside could have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to achieve.
Color choices should be carefully assessed as well. Studies show color theory applies to our animal companions more than previously believed. Provide comfort and reassurance by swapping out bright, unappealing hues with emotionally calming colors such as blue and violet. A pastel green is also a great option, however, avoid minty green as people often associate it with unpleasant memories of the healthcare industry.
For many vets, the idea of a renovation project at the office or animal hospital may sound too disruptive. Fortunately, with the right planning and support, there are ways to work around the potential interruptions to providing routine care. For tips on reducing stress during a clinic renovation, please see the accompanying resource from RWE Design Build.
SOURCES
https://ecospaints.net/how-different-colors-affect-different-animals
https://vet.davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk/veterinary-space-design/
https://www.dvm360.com/view/facility-design-can-reduce-stress-enhance-healing
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