🐾 Waiting Room Etiquette for Pets & People – A 2025 Vet Courtesy Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

We've all had those awkward moments at the vet—barking dogs, startled cats, or loose birds causing chaos. A little consideration can make clinic visits safer and more pleasant for everyone. In this guide, Dr Duncan Houston shares essential waiting room manners for pets and humans alike. 🐶🐱🦜

🧠 General Courtesy for All

• 🚫 Don’t let your pet approach others without asking first
• 🚗 Nervous pets may do better waiting in the car (weather permitting)
• 📞 Ask staff for quieter waiting options if your pet is stressed or reactive
• 🧼 Inform staff immediately if your pet has an accident—no judgment!

🐱 Cat Manners

• 🚪 Use a secure carrier—never carry your cat in your arms
• 📦 Pillowcases can work in emergencies, but carriers are best
• 🐾 Don’t let others touch your cat, especially if she's scared
• 🎯 Sit away from barking dogs and high-traffic areas
• 🐈 Be cautious of cardboard carriers with open holes (swipe zone!)

🐶 Dog Etiquette

• 🦮 Always use a leash—no retractables
• 🚻 Let them potty before entering
• 🐕 Keep your dog close and under control—not bouncing across the lobby
• 😷 Sick or unvaccinated dogs? Keep them isolated and away from others
• 🤝 Ask before approaching any other pet (and expect the same)
• 🚫 No sniffing, jumping, or licking other pets or people
• 🐾 Puppies? Keep them away from adult dogs and unknown illness exposure
• 📍 If your dog is fearful or reactive, sit apart from others and inform the staff

🐇🦎🐦 Small Mammals, Reptiles & Birds

• 🛑 Do not carry loose pets into the clinic
• 🧳 Use secure, closed carriers or cloth bags (e.g., pillowcases for snakes)
• 🦎 Cover carriers to reduce visual stress for reptiles and exotics
• 🕊️ Add perches or towels for comfort inside travel crates
• 🍎 Pack fruit slices or water-rich treats for hydration during long waits
• 🧍 Minimize escape risk—your bunny shouldn’t meet a Labrador in the exam room hallway!

✅ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Waiting room etiquette isn’t just polite—it’s essential for safety, stress reduction, and infection control. A little preparation makes visits smoother for you, your pet, the staff, and every other client in the room. ❤️🐾

📲 Have a Nervous Pet? Ask A Vet

Download the Ask A Vet app to get real-time advice from licensed professionals like Dr Duncan Houston on calming strategies, transport tips, and what to pack for smoother vet visits. 🩺📱