Spotlight falls on 'unsung heroes' of veterinary practice

THE VITAL role played by veterinary receptionists and the issues they face when navigating discussions about end-of-life care for pets is being highlighted.

The British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) is meeting in Solihull on September 26, just days before Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day on October 1.

During the event, Dignipets will be operating a stand with a focus on the pressures faced by receptionists when supporting clients, especially around sensitive issues such as end-of-life care, and the help available to them.

Dr Maja Redfern, the firm’s clinical director, has created a series of new resources, designed specifically to help reception teams approach conversations around pet loss, grief and supporting colleagues.

Topics include self-care and your team, children and pet loss, and how people can best honour and remember their pets. These resources are free to BVRA members and also available on the Dignipets colleague login portal.

Dr Vicki Adams, chief executive of the Animal Cancer Trust, will also join the stand to share educational resources on cancer diagnosis and treatment, alongside guidance on supporting clients through pet loss and bereavement.

Merel Taal, founder and director at Dignipets, said: “Veterinary receptionists are often the unsung heroes of practice life.

“They are the first voice clients hear and often the last person they see when saying goodbye to a beloved pet.

“That emotional weight can be immense, which is why we believe in equipping them with training, resources and support to carry out their role with confidence and compassion.”

Visitors to the Dignipets stand can also pick-up a rainbow Dignibug, which are created as a tribute to pet bereavement, and enter a prize competition by sharing a photo on social media using #Dignipetsbug.

Dignipets is an independent mobile veterinary practice providing in-home hospice and end-of-life care for pets.

Visit https://www.dignipets.co.uk/login/ for more information.