Is your lobby growling?

Jellybean made her opinion very clear in your lobby.

That chihuahua did not want to be at the vet.

Her shrill whines and sharp barks set off River, the border collie.

When the reception desk phone’s shrill ringtone echoed through the room, the other pets were thrown into the chaos.

From the moment owners wrangle their canine or carry their cat through the door, your clinic sets the tone for the whole visit.

No one can fault easily excitable and overstimulated pets for making some noise in the lobby.

But your clinic space and staff shouldn’t be adding to any pet pandemonium.

A frowning receptionist or shrill ringtone from the clinic phone can instill unease in already stressed clients and pets.

Shining floors, serene music, smiling receptionists, and a convenient place to sit down can settle pet parents and their fuzzy family members.

I’m not saying you need to create a perfect paw-spa experience in your lobby.

I’m saying you need to create a calm, clean, and inviting environment in whatever ways you can.

Consider details like:

• Lowering or silencing the phone volume at the reception desk.

• Coaching newer receptionists on greeting and talking to clients in a low, calm voice.

• Providing designated potty spaces outside with waste bags and trash cans.

• Spacing out chairs in small groups rather than gathering them all together in one area gives pets and their owners a little more space.

Contact me for guidance on ensuring your clinic makes the best possible first impression for your clients.