Modern Veterinary Design Concepts
Veterinary hospital design has changed dramatically during the past decade. If you are considering a new hospital design, a renovation or full fit out, let us bring you up to speed on what’s changed and highlight some key aspects to consider for your clinic reno.
With changing expectations and attitudes towards pet ownership, it’s vital for you to stay up to date with your clinic design. Who thought we’d see the day where separate cat and dog waiting rooms would be the norm? Now common practice, the benefits are clear; reduced stress to your clients, their pets and your staff enables you to deliver a significantly improved service.
So what’s new in veterinary clinic design? Let’s explore some important elements that will set you apart and future proof your business.
Comfortable waiting areas
If you want your clinic to have an impact and keep clients coming back, it’s time to up your game with your reception and waiting areas. How can you do things a bit differently? This is your first impression to new clients and an ongoing experience for your current clients. How do you want them to experience your clinic? Whether they are coming to your clinic for a routine visit or in an emergency, you have the ability to induce calm and reassurance at first glance.
Making your clients feel comfortable during their wait is vital. Do clients have something to do while they wait? Are there refreshments available? Time spent in the waiting room is amplified when there is nothing to do, which can negatively impact their experience of your service.
Set the tone
Separate cat and dog spaces
Promoting safety and hygiene is paramount in your hospital. Separating cats and dogs is a simple way to reduce stress and anxiety for pets and their respective owners. A separate cat and dog entry and exit point can be an excellent design strategy to minimize conflict and streamline the experience for your clients and their pets. Creating cat only consult rooms and treatment areas is important and isolating sick animals in designated spaces is essential.
Lighting and workspaces
It’s not only your reception area that should feel inviting; what about your work stations, treatment areas, hospital and surgical spaces? You and your team of veterinary professionals should feel comfortable too. There are many new and emerging materials, air ventilation systems and lighting options to explore that can dramatically improve a clinical setting.
With professional attrition at an all time low, making veterinary staff feel comfortable at work matters too. Warming up a clinical space and creating a more enjoyable environment to work in has never been more pertinent.
Transparency and openness
Have you shown your clients ‘the back’ of your practice? Maybe it’s time you do. Clients are often left in the dark when we take their pets “out the back” to provide treatment and care. This can often leave clients feeling uneasy about what is happening to their pet and how it’s going. Often they can hear their pet whine or cry, which further exacerbates their concerns.
Could this be improved with soundproofing materials like acoustic ceiling tiles? Could a sound proof glass window be implemented to offer more openness? Removing separation between the front of house and back of house is a key area where you can offer your clients more reassurance when they need it most.
Your style and personality
A problem with clinical settings is that they are ….clinical! Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour or infuse your personal style into your clinic design. We can help you with your vision for your clinic. Your location, your client demographic and your personality all contribute to your uniqueness and can form a beautiful practice that both sets you apart and resonates with your clients!
