Third accolade to recognise commitment to patient welfare The University of Edinburgh’s Hospital for Small Animals has been awarded Dog Friendly Clinic status by two animal welfare charities for its canine-friendly staff and facilities. Only 5% of veterinary clinics in the UK currently hold this accreditation, awarded by the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme; a collaboration between the Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association. The accolade recognises the numerous measures that the Hospital has taken to ensure that its canine patients are as comfortable as possible whilst in its care.This official Dog Friendly Clinic status is the latest species-specific award the Hospital has achieved. It also holds the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) Gold Award for its rabbit-friendly practice and hospital and has held Gold Cat Friendly Clinic status from International Cat Care since 2013. Pictured (l-r): Senior Nurse and Ward Co-ordinator Christa Dukes, Lead Animal Care Assistant Tasha Cadman and Head of the Hospital’s Behaviour Clinic, Dr Kevin McPeake, along with Senior Nurse Emily Gorman (not pictured), lead the Hospital’s initiatives to improve patient-friendly practices. Patient welfareAs well as a dedicated dog waiting area, the Hospital’s canine wards and kennels are designed to minimise patients having direct sight of other animals, to help reduce stress. Pheromone diffusers are used throughout the Hospital, from consulting rooms to wards, and calming music is played in all inpatient areas. The Hospital has recently reviewed its pre-admittance client questionnaire. In addition to providing space to share information about dogs’ dietary preferences and toileting habits, the questionnaire allows clients to highlight any behavioural triggers their dog may have. This helps clinical, nursing and animal care teams to adapt the patient’s environment and interactions accordingly, and promote well-being. In addition to the Specialist-led team of veterinarians working in the Behaviour Clinic referral service, all Hospital staff have access to training and resources on low-stress handling techniques, dog behaviour and welfare. We are delighted to have obtained Dog Friendly Clinic status, which recognises the Hospital’s existing and ongoing commitment to patient welfare. The Accreditation process allowed us to document those measures already in place to minimise stress for our canine patients, but also ensured that we reflected on, reviewed and improved some practices, improving the experience of dogs and their carers when visiting the Hospital Dr Kevin McPeake RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Head of the Hospital for Small Animals Behaviour Clinic. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags HfSA Vet Small Animals Publication date 25 Aug, 2025
