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Whether it’s for a routine wellness exam, acupuncture, or emergency, we value the time and effort it takes to bring a pet in (and we know it’s not always easy!). As such, we do our best to limit wait times in our lobby and exam rooms, but sometimes pets and their people have a few moments to visit with others, explore the lobby, and visit with our friendly staff.

Veterinary hospital lobby safety is important to us at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn, and we hope that the following tips can make your next visit as enjoyable as possible.

Space Bubble, Small Space

The way a veterinary hospital lobby is typically set up can naturally lead to some interaction with other pet owners and their animals. It is absolutely possible to have a friendly, positive encounter, but many pets are stressed, fearful, and possibly in pain. Having an understanding that not all pets in our lobby feel good can help relieve a variety of safety issues.

Rules of a Veterinary Hospital Lobby

We encourage pet owners to take the following into consideration:

• Dogs should always be on leash during their visit, preferably no longer than 6-feet in length. Keep them close to you at all times.
• Cats must be in their own personal travel carrier. Because of the likelihood of unwanted animal encounters, it is simply not safe to hold them or have them harnessed and leashed. 
• Because of their underdeveloped immunity, young kittens and puppies that have not been fully vaccinated yet should be held or crated for their visit. 
• Do not leave your pet unattended or unsupervised.
• Remain as neutral as possible while in the veterinary hospital lobby. Your pet will pick up on your own feelings of stress and/or fear and react in kind. 
• Most pet owners are very considerate of other pets and their people in our lobby, but if you encounter someone that isn’t respecting your space please let us know. 
• Likewise, please give others a wide berth. Animals, like people, that don’t feel good may react aggressively.
• To stay in close touch with your pet’s emotional state, it may be a good idea to switch your phone off during your visit.
• If your dog is getting too close to a cat in an adjacent carrier, please walk your dog to another spot away from them. This proximity could really send a cat over the edge, making the rest of their visit quite difficult.

Let Us Know What You Need

It’s not uncommon for pet owners to stay outside the veterinary hospital lobby until we’re ready for them. Others prefer to stay in their cars. Whatever the case may be, we are dedicated to creating a plan for your arrival and making your pet as comfortable as possible in the exam room.

If you have further questions or concerns about your pet’s appointment, please let us know.