Ways to thank your veterinarian
Anytime is a great time to show your appreciation for your pet’s veterinarian and staff. Dr. Lee shares some ideas for saying “thank you” with a happy pet parent.
Q: Our veterinarian has always been wonderful with our cats, so we want to give her a gift on Valentine's Day. Chocolate seems wrong since it's toxic to pets. Do you have better suggestions?
A: What a lovely thought! I'm sure your veterinarian will enjoy whatever gift you choose.
Ideas for Expressing Appreciation for your Veterinarian
My first suggestions recognize that everyone at the practice has contributed to the positive experiences you've enjoyed. You might thank them with a Valentine's Day delivery of morning coffee and donuts or lunchtime sandwiches, salad and fruit.
Write an online review describing what's special about the practice.
If you like to sew, choose some fun animal prints and make scrubs or scrub tops in various sizes for your veterinarian and her staff. Find a print with cats that look like yours or choose your vet's favorite dog or cat breed.
Notice what your veterinarian enjoys: My clients often mention my animal earrings, and many give more as gifts, which I love.
Consider making a donation in your veterinarian's name to a cause important to her. Choose a group she volunteers for, a local shelter or cat rescue, or a national animal welfare organization.
Another idea is a gift card to a favorite restaurant so she can enjoy romantic time with her significant other.
Most veterinarians agree, though, that the best gift of all is when clients express their appreciation during a visit and send an occasional card of thanks.
Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.
