What Is Reactive Wellness Care?

Many dogs and cats are fearful at the vet. This triggers the fight or flight response and can lead to your pet becoming panicked or a bite risk. These animals are considered reactive animals. Reactive animals require a different environment and approach for their care.  Regardless of age or background we provide general health screenings for both routine and sick animals.  These services include a physical examination, vaccinations and diagnostic testing (x-rays, blood work, cytology, fecal testing, urinalysis and parasite screening).

Here’s how our reactive wellness care is different:

  • Tailored appointment slots. Does your pet require 30 minutes? 1 hour? We arrange our schedule around the individual patient.

  • Quiet environment. Our building will forever remain closed to the public. Meaning no one but our current patient and staff will be in the building at one time.

  • Ability to move freely. Because the building will remain closed to the public this allows us free access to the entire building for appointments. Some dogs prefer remaining in a large lobby, being outdoors, in an exam room or a combination of all three. The ability to move freely is very important to these patients. Cats are given time to adjust to the environment, a window and places to hide during their visit.

  • Individualized care plans. Each patient will have a documented care plan at each visit in order to make consecutive visits easier. We document where the appointment was done, what food was used, where blood was obtained and vaccines given. We make sure to allow you to be with your pet if that is what is best for them. We rely on our clients to trust us to make that decision.

  • Special handling. Many of our reactive patients cannot be restrained with typical methods taught in veterinary schools. Our entire staff has been trained and is well versed in how to handle reactive patients during their appointments.

What To Expect

Pre-Appointment

  • We will feed a variety of treats during the appointment. Please bring your pet hungry.

  • Please let staff know if there are any food allergies in the home that we should be aware of.

  • Give all pre-visit medications as directed by your veterinarian.

  • If your pet requires a basket muzzle practice at home prior to the appointment and bring your pets muzzle to the appointment.

  • Acclimate you cat to the carrier by leaving it out 1 week prior.

Arrival:

We ask that you remain in your car and call when you arrive for your appointment. This will help keep you and your pet safe and calm. A technician will take your pets history over the phone

Appointment:

  • Each pet has an individualized care plan that is reviewed and adjusted at each appointment. Some pets do better with their owners in the building. Others do better without their owners. We count on our clients to trust our expertise in this area. Our staff always puts the best interest of our patient (the pet) first.

  • Appointment length will be be tailored to each pet. Generally your pet will have either a 30 or 60 minute time slot. As we only allow one patient in the building at a time it is important that we stick to your pet's designated time slot and that you arrive on time for your appointment.

  • We do not allow the public into our building during veterinary hours. This creates a calm, quiet environment. We will only allow one patient in the building at a time. This allows your pet the ability to move freely though out the clinic. The ability to change locations is very important to the success of the appointment.