Karen Becker, VMD, asks an obvious question about taking pets into the back room for examination, then addresses the benefits and challenges of exam room appointments that include pet owners. She asserts that allowing a guardian to remain involved in the treatment and care of their pet opens the doors of communication, builds trust with that client, and influences client choice of veterinarian and how frequently they bring their pets in for treatment.
Source: Veterinary Practice News, September 2, 2025. Link.
Gentle, low-stress handling of our patients in the exam room and with their owners present reduces patient stress, improves animal welfare, builds client trust, and positively impacts production.”
Related: Recognizing chronic pain in the exam room, DVM 360, September 26, 2025. Link.
Commentary
There are some obvious challenges with performing exams and procedures with the owner present, specifically the space and needing to be on the floor. Ironically, the large animal veterinarian who now does mostly companion animal work due to shoulder issues will now face getting up and down off the floor . . . at least until the exam rooms can be redesigned.