small dog in a harness

Pet Restraint is Important for Everyone’s Safety

Please have your dog and/or cat on a leash or in a portable kennel before they come in the door. If you forget to bring a leash or muzzle with you, we are happy to provide one. Please get one from a receptionist before bringing your dog into the hospital.

Restraint for Your Dog
We Appreciate Your Dog Being Muzzled or on a Leash!
dog on a leash

We supply leashes and muzzles at the hospital if they are needed. If you are concerned about your dog's actions toward others, a muzzle is highly recommended. Muzzling is not harmful to your dog, nor does it hurt them. Muzzles take away the opportunity for your dog to behave unexpectedly or bite other dogs or people. It is much safer for you, your dog, and all concerned.

Sometimes a muzzle is necessary to protect your pet as much as it is to protect us. For whatever reason, a muzzle often helps to calm a patient and they don't feel quite so nervous.

Even if your dog reacts well to other dogs, it is still safer for everyone if you bring them in on a leash. Cassie Jones is the picture of good manners when she comes into our clinic on her leash.

For Your Cat's Safety, We Appreciate It Being in a Secure Carrier!
cat in a box

Transporting cats is often a challenge because they are escape artists and require a secure container when bringing them into the hospital. The ideal container is a kennel or carrier made for transporting animals. It is important the cat is not able to roam inside your vehicle. Your cat might jump out of the vehicle when you open the door or get under your feet attempting to hide and prevent you from using the brake pedal. Even if your cat travels well, you do not know what other animals will be in the reception area of our hospital when you arrive. Carrying your cat into the hospital without a carrier might result in the cat suddenly jumping out of your arms and getting injured, and injuring you too.

So, no matter how much they complain, and cats do complain about being inside a carrier, please bring it to the hospital in a secure carrier.

For Your Exotic Pet's Safety, We Appreciate It Being in a Secure Carrier!
parrot in a cage

Besides the many dogs and cats we see, we also occasionally have the opportunity to care for more exotic pets. No matter how secure you feel with your pet in your arms or on your shoulder, a veterinary office is a very stressful place for them. They could react in unexpected ways and try to escape, causing injury to themselves or several moments of panic as they are chased around. Birds can fly out a door that is opened by someone entering the hospital, making recapture very difficult if not impossible. Nothing makes a bird owner's heart sink like the sight of those tail feathers disappearing off into the blue. Ferrets, rabbits, rats and other pocket pets should be safely secured in carriers, too.