Dog Friendly Clinic
Dog Friendly Accreditation
We are proud to be an accredited Dog Friendly Clinic, assessed by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA). This accreditation guarantees our commitment to the welfare, comfort and safety of our canine patients.
All members of our team are trained to understand canine behaviour and low-stress handling techniques, so we can look after every aspect of your dog’s wellbeing – not just their physical health.
For more information on the Dog Friendly Clinic criteria, please visit: Dog Friendly Clinic UK
What is the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme?
The Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme is a collaboration between Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest canine welfare charity, and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA). It supports veterinary practices in embedding behavioural medicine into everyday clinic life, helping dogs feel safer and more comfortable during veterinary visits.
What does “Dog Friendly Clinic” mean for you and your dog?
Being a Dog Friendly Clinic shows our commitment to giving your dog the best possible experience when visiting the vets.
We read and respond to your dog’s body language
Our team is trained to recognise early signs of stress, fear or discomfort and to adjust our approach so your dog can look and feel as relaxed as possible.
We handle your dog with compassion
From calm waiting areas to gentle handling, encouragement and plenty of treats (where appropriate), everything we do is designed to reduce anxiety and build positive associations.
We have adapted our clinic for dogs
We have separate dog and cat waiting areas and a dog-only ward, along with other environmental changes to help your dog feel more comfortable and secure.
We support behaviour as well as health
We can provide advice on common behaviour issues and help you find suitable qualified behaviourists if your dog needs more specialised support.
Our aim is to create a welcoming space where both you and your dog feel comfortable, understood and cared for.
Dog-friendly facilities at Snowy Veterinary Centre
As a Dog Friendly Clinic, our practice includes:
- 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.
For all your puppy and dog advice
If you have any questions about our Dog Friendly Clinic status, low-stress handling, or how we can support an anxious or nervous dog, please contact Leigh, our Dog Friendly Clinic Advocate:
- Email: hello@snowyvets.co.uk
- Phone: 01634 481 211
