Proud to Be a Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Clinic
At Kingsclere Vets, we believe every pet deserves a positive experience when visiting the vet. Whilst some dogs happily bound through our doors, we know that many can find veterinary visits worrying or overwhelming. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and handling can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, even in dogs that are normally confident at home. That’s why we are proud to have achieved Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation.
The Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme recognises veterinary practices that are committed to understanding canine behaviour and reducing stress wherever possible. Developed by Dogs Trust and supported by leading veterinary behaviour experts, the scheme encourages practices to consider every aspect of a dog’s journey through the clinic and to make practical changes that help create a calmer, more positive experience.
Achieving this accreditation involved extensive training for our team in canine behaviour, communication and welfare. We have learned how to recognise the subtle signs that a dog may be feeling worried, fearful or uncomfortable, and how to adapt our approach to help them feel more secure. Understanding how dogs communicate allows us to tailor our interactions to each individual patient and build trust from the moment they arrive.
One of the key principles of the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme is recognising that every dog is different. Some dogs are naturally confident and sociable, while others may be nervous in unfamiliar environments or have had previous experiences that make veterinary visits more challenging. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we aim to adapt each appointment to the individual dog’s needs, ensuring they feel as comfortable and supported as possible.
From the moment you walk through our doors, our team works to create a welcoming and relaxed environment. We understand that reducing stress starts long before an examination takes place. Our reception and waiting areas are designed to be calm and spacious, and we also have a private waiting area available for patients who may feel overwhelmed by a busy environment. For particularly anxious dogs, we operate a buzzer system that allows owners to wait comfortably in their car until it is time for their appointment, helping to minimise exposure to potential stressors in the waiting room. Throughout the practice, we use calming music and pheromone products to help create a more relaxed atmosphere for our patients.
Our team are always happy to offer advice on how to prepare your dog for their visit. Where appropriate, we can provide treats, allow extra time for nervous patients to settle, adjust the pace of an appointment, or discuss the use of calming medications to help make veterinary visits less stressful. We also offer dedicated socialisation visits, where dogs can attend the practice without receiving any treatment. These visits allow them to explore the environment, meet our team, receive treats and positive reinforcement, and gradually build confidence in the veterinary setting.
During consultations, we focus on gentle handling, positive reinforcement and allowing dogs as much choice and control as possible. We recognise that small changes can make a significant difference to a dog’s experience. Taking time to build confidence and trust not only helps dogs feel more comfortable, but can also improve the quality of examinations and treatments, making visits less stressful for everyone involved.
Our commitment to reducing stress extends beyond consultations. Dogs that need to stay with us during the day or overnight are accommodated in large walk-in kennels, providing them with additional space and comfort. We also maintain separate dog and cat wards, helping to reduce anxiety for both species and ensuring a calmer hospital environment.
The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continual learning and improvement. As a Dog Friendly Clinic, we regularly review our procedures and continue to develop our understanding of canine behaviour and welfare. This ensures that we can provide the highest standard of care while supporting the emotional wellbeing of our patients.
Head Veterinary Nurse Hannah Sadler led the practice through the accreditation process and has been instrumental in embedding the principles of the scheme throughout the clinic. Her passion for patient welfare, combined with the dedication of the wider team, has helped ensure that Kingsclere Vets continues to provide an environment where dogs and their owners feel welcomed, supported and understood.
For many owners, seeing a beloved pet become anxious at the vet can be upsetting. We want you to know that you are not alone, and that helping nervous or fearful dogs is something we take seriously. Whether your dog is visiting us for a routine health check, vaccination, surgery, diagnostic investigation or ongoing treatment, we will always do our best to make their experience as positive as possible.
We are incredibly proud to have achieved Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation, but for us it is about much more than a certificate. It reflects our belief that excellent veterinary care should consider not only a dog’s physical health, but also their emotional wellbeing. By creating positive experiences and building trust, we can help dogs feel more confident about visiting the vet throughout their lives.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour during veterinary visits, or would like advice on preparing them for an appointment, please speak to a member of our team. We are always happy to help.
