In response

Many thanks for your letter regarding my article ‘Stress in the Veterinary Waiting Room’. It is very reassuring to read that veterinary professionals are taking steps forward to recognise the importance of the mental wellbeing of patients (of all species) in all areas of veterinary care. As you state there are further differences between the species that, due to the space restrictions, it was not possible to investigate. The aim was to give an overview of some of the most important aspects to consider when looking at ways to reduce emotional arousal within the veterinary waiting room specifically. an environment that, in my experience, causes an emotional stress response in a high number of patients, both canine and feline.There are certain further methods and ideas that can be utilised within the veterinary clinic environment to improve the experience for patients and these should definitely be explored further. The clinics that you are promoting sound very interesting. Any programmes that aim to improve the mental wellbeing of patients are to be welcomed.