When it comes time for a vet visit, no one wants to see a pet stressed or upset, including the veterinary team. It was with that in mind that the team at Steeples Veterinary Clinic recently undertook a comprehensive renovation to update the facility and improve pet comfort and reduce anxiety.
The veterinary clinic has served Cranbrook and it’s surrounding area since 1978, and this major overhaul has taken a modern approach to creating a more pet-friendly environment, enhancing both the physical layout and care experience.
"We've been serving animals and their owners in this building for over 40 years, and these renovations were essential," says Andrew Skaien, Director of Administration. “Our goal was to create a space that makes veterinary visits as stress-free as possible for the animals.”
One of the significant changes in the clinic is the addition of a cat-only exam room, which was designed specifically to minimize the stress that cats often experience during veterinary visits.
“Cats are generally more anxious and fearful than dogs when they come to the vet, so we made a conscious effort to address that,” Skaien says. The new cat room is on a separate side of the clinic to reduce interactions with dogs, featuring a waiting area where carriers can be placed on high shelves, catering to cats’ instinct to seek elevated spaces for security. “Cats feel more at ease when they’re up high, so we incorporated that into the design.”
The room is equipped with calming pheromone diffusers and cat-focused décor, creating a soothing environment. “The feedback from cat owners has been very positive. They appreciate how much more relaxed their cats are in this dedicated space,” Skaien says.
Dog runs and stress reduction
For dogs, the renovation includes redesigned dog runs that minimize visual contact between the animals, significantly reducing reactivity and stress. “One aspect helpful to helping dogs stay calm is reducing interaction with each other when stressed,” Skaien says. “Our new dog runs are arranged to ensure that dogs have some more privacy and aren’t triggered by seeing other animals.”
In addition to the layout, the dog runs feature heated floors and increased temperature-control providing comfort during their stay. “These upgrades were very important to us to further ensure the animal’s comfort during their stay, and we are very happy with the results!”
New equipment for large animals
The clinic has also upgraded its services for large animal clients with new equipment. This includes a new large animal ultrasound for diagnosing lameness and checking pregnancies, a new portable digital x-ray machine and an endoscope for diagnosing issues like gastric ulcers.
The clinic’s renovations are in line with a broader shift towards "fear-free" veterinary care, a method that focuses on minimizing stress and anxiety in animals during vet visits.
“We've incorporated a variety of techniques to reduce fear and anxiety, from the design of the rooms to how we handle pets during their time here. It’s been a continuous learning process, but we’re proud of how the renovations now reflect this approach,” Skaien says.
Steeples Veterinary Clinic is committed to providing continued care for pets. Whether it’s a routine check-up or an emergency, their dedicated team works to ensure each pet’s health and well-being. Contact the clinic today at 250-489-3451 to make an appointment and stay updated by following the clinic on Facebook.