Proud to be an accredited Dog Friendly Clinic
Snowy Vets are proud to be an accredited dog-friendly clinic, assessed by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA), as a guarantee of our commitment to our canine patients. This accreditation reflects our ongoing investment in training, facilities and handling approaches that put your dog’s emotional wellbeing at the heart of every visit.
What this means for your dog
Being a Dog Friendly Clinic is more than a badge. It means our whole team is trained to understand canine behaviour and low-stress handling techniques, so we can recognise early signs of anxiety, adapt our approach and look after every aspect of your dog’s wellbeing – not just their physical health.
The Snowy Vets Team learn how pain, illness and environment can influence behaviour, and how to use gentle, evidence-based methods to make examinations, treatments and hospital stays as calm and positive as possible. This improves welfare, builds trust, and creates a safer environment for dogs, owners and our team.
Dog-friendly facilities at Snowy Vets
As a dog-friendly clinic, our practice has been designed and adapted to reduce stress and support positive experiences. Our facilities include:
- A dog-specific waiting area – we also encourage owners with anxious dogs to wait outside or in the car or wait in a free consultation room, whichever is best for your dog.
- A range of treats, including treats on a licky mat, for dogs where feeding is appropriate.
- Pheromone diffusers to promote feelings of calmness for dogs in key areas.
- A separate dog-only ward, reducing stress from other species.
- A range of kennel sizes, including walk-in kennels, all with soft bedding.
- Weighing scales with non-slip mats.
- Enrichment plans for hospitalised dogs, using toys, chews and activities to reduce boredom and anxiety.
- Nominated dog advocates within our team, who champion canine welfare and help maintain our dog-friendly standards.
Every element – from the layout of our waiting area to the way we handle dogs in the consult room is chosen to reduce fear, anxiety and frustration, and to make the clinic a more predictable, comforting place for your dog.
How we use this in practice
In day-to-day life, our dog-friendly accreditation shapes how we:
- Plan appointments: allowing extra time for anxious dogs, offering quieter slots, and discussing options such as waiting in the car until the room is ready.
- Handle examinations: using low-stress techniques, working at the dog’s pace, and adjusting positions to suit individual comfort.
- Support hospital patients: providing tailored enrichment, comfortable bedding, and calm, consistent care from staff who understand canine body language.
- Advise owners: offering guidance on preparing for visits, recognising stress signals, and building positive associations with the clinic over time.
If your dog has specific fears for example, of other dogs or certain procedures – please tell us when you book. We can then tailor the appointment and environment to their needs.
Find out more about the scheme
For more information on the Dog Friendly Clinic criteria and the standards we are assessed against, please visit: Dog Friendly Clinic UK.
If you would like to discuss how we can support your dog’s particular needs, or have questions about our dog-friendly facilities, please speak to our team. We are committed to making every visit as positive, safe and comfortable as possible for your dog.
