In a perfect world, all animals would have equal access to veterinary care. But this is not reality. Multiple factors keep pet owners from seeking the veterinary care their animals need. There ARE solutions writes Amanda Landis-Hanna, DVM.
Access barriers can include language,transportation, education, culture, socioeconomics, medical or mental illness,and rural or urban veterinary deserts.
Source: Veterinary Team Brief, November/December 2018. Link. When veterinary team members develop a judgment-free view of all pet owners and show respect for the human–animal bond regardless of a client’s status, they become leaders in the community and trusted caregivers for beloved pets writes Landis-Hanna. She offers three solutions for animal owners seeking care despite barriers:
- Identify existing resources within the community
- Appreciate and empathize with pet owners’ difficult situations
- Understand the impact of the human–animal bond
INSIGHTS: Retail locations can develop a similar ethical guarantee when faced with a customer needing help with an animal in trouble. To avoid abuse of benevolent policies, consider an acknowledgement of services received agreement for the animal owner to sign. Then track these customers and the services or products delivered.