Client-Animal Relationship

Introduction

Consideration of the relationship between the client and their animal is important, as the role that the animal plays may influence the client’s approach to a situation. However, it is also necessary for the veterinary staff to appreciate that the animal may fall into more than one category: eg a working Guide Dog or competetion horse may also fill the role of a companion animal. Furthermore, while the considerations below should be appreciated, rigid assumptions about the factors listed below should not be made, and each case must be considered on an individual basis.

Key Areas

Companion animals

• Client may have a strong emotional bond to their animal
• Client may be inexperienced and require significant guidance and reassurance
• Client expectations for clinical cure may be unrealistically high

Production animals

• Client may have a less sentimental bond with their animal but still have high respect for their welfare
• Cost considerations may be important
• Client may be very knowledgeable and experienced
• Herd or group considerations are frequently involved

Working (eg assistance dogs, gun dogs, sheep dogs), Exhibition or Competition animals

• The ability for the animal to be able to continue to work or compete is very important
• There is often both a high respect for the animal and a strong sentimental attachment