• Provide ample scope for the owner to restrain or pat his/her animal during examination. Care should be taken as far as gentle handling of the patient in front of the owner is concerned.
   
• Practice a through clinical examination procedure from front to rear e.g. examination of eye, teeth, ear, body coat, feet and external genitals etc., every time a pet is subjected to clinical examination. Maximum touching of the pet by the clinician creates a sense of satisfaction in the minds of the owner as it invariably reflects doctor's interest in the case.
   
• Show sufficient interest in every case, although the problem seems simple to you. Whenever possible acknowledge the pain undertaken by the owner in contacting you or bringing the pet to you.
   
• Use general diagnostic instruments although with experience some time you may not feel like. Using instruments not only help you in making accurate diagnosis but also assure the owner. It indicates sophistication in service delivery.
   
• Every owner deserves individualized attention from the consultant. Provide opportunity for close door consultation. Limit presence of unnecessary persons in the room, particularly at a time when the owner is consulting with the concerned doctor.
   
• Some of the below-mentioned points might seem unwanted. However, it was observed in many Indian clinics that, practitioners give inadequate attention to cleanliness and hygiene.
   
  • Tear the seal of a disposable syringe or a vaccine vial in front of the owner.
  • Place loaded syringe properly when not in use.
  • Use a clean cloth soaked in perfumed medicated water for removing dirt from examination table after each examination.
  • Use liquid soap instead of conventional one for washing hands.
  • Replace the towel attach to the wash basin regularly.
  • Perform sterilization / cleaning of surgical equipment, examination table and OT in full knowledge of the owner where it is possible.
     
• A brass name plate carrying name, qualification and professional registration details of the resident and visiting consultants needs to be displayed in a suitable place.
   
• Displaying of messages like "Wish your pet a speedy recovery" at suitable places do carry a meaning of genuine concern for many.
   
• Keep multi-dose vials in a box. Discard immediately even single used temporary bandaged collars meant for restraining (where practiced).
   
• Display, keep books / journals properly and systematically in the consultation room. Such things not only help you in effective information retrieval but also enhance the credibility of your service in the mind of the owner.
   
• Adopt a dress code for the resident consultants and other staff members with a clear display of name and designation.
   
• Try to develop systematic data bank of information on owners or visitors to your clinic as well as their pets. Besides usual entries e.g. Name, Address etc. keep options for getting information like celebrated birth day of the pet (if any), nick name and birth day of the owner's children taking care of the concerned pet etc. Such data bank helps in maintaining relationship with the owners and their family members in due course of time (Sending a birth day wish).