Aggressive Pet Policy

At Bernalillo Pet Care Center we consider it a top priority to protect the health and safety of our patients, clients and staff. In order to achieve this, we abide by a strict policy that when a pet has shown aggressive tendencies, including fear-based aggression, we require full cooperation from our clients to reduce the pet’s stress and ensure the safety of everyone involved. This includes following the veterinarian’s instructions on how to proceed before and during your pet’s appointment. Failure to follow this policy could result in your dismissal as a client from our practice. We appreciate your cooperation in following these protocols:

• Any anxiety/sedative medications prescribed for your pet must be given exactly as prescribed prior to every visit unless specifically instructed not to by a veterinarian. These medications not only improve our ability to safely and thoroughly examine your pet and perform any necessary procedures, but also make the visit much less stressful for them. Significant anxiety can cause emotional and physical trauma to your pet, up to and including death, especially in the presence of other underlying health conditions such as heart, respiratory, or neurologic disease. Our goal is to make the veterinary visit more pleasant for your pet and prevent escalating anxiety throughout the appointment.
• Dogs must be muzzled prior to being handled by our staff. In the event of extreme aggression, you may be asked to muzzle your dog prior to entering the facility - this is best achieved by purchasing a well-fitted basket muzzle. Muzzles do not harm your dog in any way, physically or mentally, but they allow our staff to safely handle your dog and work more quickly/efficiently with them. (For more information, please visit www.muzzleupproject.com)
• Dogs must be kept on a short leash with a well-fitting collar or harness at all times, including when inside an exam room. Flexi-leads, or retractable leashes, are strongly discouraged, but must be locked in the shortest setting if used. If necessary, we will provide you with a slip lead.
• Cats must be kept inside a secure carrier at all times until you are asked to carefully remove them. Ideally, a carrier with a removable top should be used - this allows us to easily access your cat without having to remove them from a small opening.
• Sometimes, even with pre-visit sedatives and muzzles, it is impossible to complete examinations, diagnostics, and other procedures without injectable sedation. The need for injectable sedation will be discussed with you on a case-by-case basis and you will be asked to sign a sedation consent form. This form of sedation may also help with your pet’s anxiety regarding veterinary visits and procedures. Any aggressive pet that needs injectable sedation for veterinary visits will be scheduled longer appointments and charged for a $75 extended examination. If injectable sedation is unsuccessful, we may be unable to see your pet at our veterinary hospital.