A leading Glasgow animal hospital has struck gold after receiving the highest level of accreditation for its care of cats by the prestigious International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Pets’n’Vets, which has seven practices in and around Glasgow, has been recognised as a gold level cat-friendly clinic (CFC) by the ISFM at its Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Pollockshaws, the highest level of award possible.
Denise Hobin, cat advocate at Linnaeus-owned Pets’n’Vets, said the prestigious award was recognition of the hospital’s determination to promote wellbeing and the highest standards of care for all cats visiting Roundhouse or being hospitalised with the vets.
Denise said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved this prestigious gold-level cat-friendly clinic status. It has been a real team effort and is a fitting reward for everyone’s hard work and dedication.
“As a gold-standard cat-friendly clinic, we are trained to handle cats in a manner that minimises stress, fear and anxiety, as well as advising clients on the best way to safely and comfortably transport their cats to us. We have ensured we provide a low-stress environment which respects the natural needs of our feline patients. It’s a continuous priority across the practice and we always look to keep improving further.”
The ISFM launched the cat-friendly clinic initiative to encourage veterinary clinics like as Pets’n’Vets to make changes to improve the welfare of cats in their care. The programme advises practices on how to make their environment as welcoming as possible for cats, as well as providing support in staff training, handling techniques and cat-specific client care.
Denise added: “The ISFM examines the provision of facilities and staff activities and attitudes aimed at reducing stress in cats, both as in-patients and out-patients. Its criteria include having separate dog and cat waiting areas, feline-friendly hospitalisation cages and veterinary equipment specifically for treating cats.
“We had to demonstrate that the team here at Roundhouse understands the needs of cats and always strive to make visits to us cat-friendly. We also showed we always handle cats gently and in line with the ISFM feline-friendly handling and nursing care guidelines, along with making a pledge to be ‘scruff free’.
“Clinics are also expected to maintain high standards of veterinary care, including continuing to update their knowledge of feline medicine as new knowledge becomes available.”
Pets’n’Vets was founded 50 years ago in the Southside of Glasgow and is now the hub for seven veterinary practices in and around the city and Lanarkshire, all operating under the Pets‘n’Vets banner.
The group’s other practices include Pets’n’Vets in Crookfur, Newton Mearns; Hairmyres Vets in East Kilbride; Queen’s Park Vets, Queen’s Park; McDonald Vets, Scotstoun; McDonald Vets, Queen Margaret Drive; and Blantyre Vets in South Lanarkshire.
For more information about Pets’n’Vets and its gold-level cat care, visit their website or search for Pets’n’Vets on social media.
