Fear free veterinary design for calmer clinics

Planning out a new clinic or redesigning an existing facility can seem relatively straightforward: you need a waiting area, consulting rooms, a prep area and theatres, and kennels for your patients. But put yourself in your patients’ paws for a moment, and it might be time to reassess.

The rules for designing a clinic are less rigid than you might think, and by embracing flexibility you can embed the Fear Free approach at every stage of the patient journey. Separate waiting areas and entrances are a good start – but for some practices, it may be possible to eliminate the stressful waiting room altogether, with curb side check-in or admission directly into a consult room.

Smaller changes can also make a big difference. Strategically placing visual barriers and designing commonly used routes to enhance the flow of pets and people at busy periods can help to keep stress levels to a minimum. 

Crashing, slamming, beeping, howling: the noises frequently encountered in a busy clinic or shelter are enough to put most humans on edge, never mind pets. Most companion animals, from cats and dogs to rabbits and guinea pigs, have significantly better hearing than humans. They subsequently rely on it far more than we do to answer one key question: ‘am I safe?’

In an environment where they’re bombarded by loud, hostile noises, the answer is almost certainly a resounding no.

Fear Free design sets out to address this key issue, incorporating numerous measures ranging from establishing separate, species-specific areas to planning out insulation, sound proofing, construction of sound barriers, and choice of flooring and ceiling materials to minimise noise.

Expert input in the design stage can make the difference between pets struggling to cope amid a chaotic cacophony of sounds, and beginning to relax in an environment designed to be calming for both them and their humans.

It’s easy for light to be an afterthought. Artificial lights are simple and easy to install – so where’s the problem? However, both daylight and artificial lighting should both be carefully considered in the design process.

Incorporating access to daylight can have a significant positive impact on mood and wellbeing for both patients and staff. Daylight helps to regulate circadian rhythms in long-term inpatients and can contribute to reduced stress and anxiety. In human hospitals, natural light has been linked to healing and recovery.

When it comes to artificial lighting, colour and intensity can significantly impact emotional wellbeing. While treatment areas may require cooler, more natural lighting, warmer lighting in public areas contributes to a soothing environment. Dimmable lighting can help to reduce stress in inpatients, especially during overnight care. At every stage, lighting should be adapted to factor in both the tasks carried out in each area and the impact on patients’ stress levels.

The basic idea of Fear Free design isn’t, in itself, a complex one – but putting it into practice isn’t always quite so simple. From developing architectural designs to picking the perfect odour-resistant flooring, getting it right takes expertise at every stage.

At Cyclo Group, we have more than a decade of experience designing veterinary spaces and can offer insight and support at every level, with services to suit every budget. We’re committed to designing veterinary facilities with both pets and people in mind, fit for a Fear Free future.

To find out more about our services and see how we can help, get in touch with our team by filling out the online form or calling us on 1300 292 565 today.