Dear Dr. Forsythe: I was wondering what the protocol is for appointments at veterinary hospitals. I always have to wait at least 15 minutes in the lobby with my dog before they usually take me into the exam room to see the doctor. Then I have to wait again before the doctor finally comes in. How long are you supposed to wait? Last time I was a few minutes late for my appointment and the receptionist told me that because I arrived 10 minutes late I would have to wait and they would try and fit me in after the next appointment or I could reschedule my appointment. It is beginning to feel like going to the vet is like going to Kaiser! What is the protocol?
Runs fashionably late
Dear fashion: There is no official “protocol” for wait time at the vet’s office, but in general, most clients wait with their pet from no time at all to 5-10 minutes before going into an exam room when “things are running on schedule.” It all varies depending on the hospital and the number of patients waiting, the number of doctors working, and other factors. It sounds like there are two issues here: you are concerned about how long you have to wait at your veterinary hospital and you are expressing some unhappiness at the way you were treated. You could remedy the wait problem with a quick call prior to your next appointment and ask the receptionist if the doctor is running on schedule. There are many reasons why a hospital can fall behind schedule: the most common is a pet emergency. You also expressed irritation at being asked to wait or reschedule after you showed up late for your last appointment. Did you feel unappreciated and unaccommodated? I realize that at times it can feel like this world is moving too fast for us all to keep up! Since I was not there at your hospital in this situation, all I can say is that good communication is the key. I would suggest you speak with the doctor or person on duty and use open and honest communication to convey your frustration and concerns: if you need to be on time for them, they should also be on time for you and respect your time, because all our time is valuable. And remember that people who are “fashionably late” can be a thorn in the side of the small animal veterinarian. Chronically late clients who dislike waiting will develop a reputation for being a little inconsiderate. I’d recommend trying to be a few minutes early for the next appointment in order to establish yourself as a courteous and respectful client. As veterinarians, we are lucky to have good clients bringing in pets and allowing us to take good care of them. Although we always strive to stay on time, great service is really paramount, and part of that is you showing up on time for the appointment, but another part is us remembering to let you know how much we appreciate your business. If you are feeling like the veterinary hospital is a “Kaiser” cattle call, let them know so they can try to improve. We improve more from your constructive concerns than praise. Thanks for a great question. Now how about setting your watch 5 minutes fast?
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My son refuses to put a leash on his dog when they take a walk. It would be O.K. with me if not for the fact that she’s a pit bull and always darts out into the street or up to anyone and kisses them. How can I convince him that he should leash her up whenever they take a walk or “hang out”?
Worried mom
Dear Mom: You didn’t tell me how old your son is: if he is over 18, he is an adult and this is not your problem to deal with, but his. If he is under 18, then he is still a minor, and you have reason to be concerned. Sonoma County has leash laws, which means that your son’s pet is required to be leashed at all times unless he is in a private yard or at specially designated areas (such as Dillon Beach or Rocky point in Petaluma). I realize that we are talking about a sweet and friendly girl (like so many pits I see) and she loves to lick and greet people, but nevertheless, should anything bad happen, such as a bite or attack, you or your son could be in for some big legal trouble. Make sure he uses a leash at all times, starting right now. Thanks. You’ll be glad you did!
Dr. F
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