May Safety Topics

Walking Pets Outside the Hospital

Always use the "Double Leash" Policy when pets are moving from one area of the hospital to another.

Make sure all pets currently in the hospital being seen as "Drop offs" or surgeries have an orange name band. 

Lost or Escaped Pet Action Plan

Immediately Notify:

Within 30 minutes (or sooner) upon the pet escaping the hospital an associate must contact the client and the Media Hotline (888-355-0595)

Communicate with the Client:

1. Notify the client immediately
2. Let the client know you are doing everything possible to locate their pet.
3. Ask the client for a photo of the pet to create a "Lost Pet Flyer"
4. Always provide the client with any updates on the lost pet
5. Ask the client to help look for the pet

Spring into Action:

All available team members are to go out looing for the lost pet immediately. A lost pet is considered an emergency.

Lost Pet Flyers

Immediately make a lost pet flyer.

Post flyers all over the neighborhood where pet was lost.

Fax the lost pet flyer (with photo) to all area animal controls, shelters, Veterinary hospitals, and emergency pet hospitals.

Offer a reward to the finder. Do not specify the amount as it can lead to false reports of seeing the pet.

When the pet has been found a physical exam must be performed if the pet has been missing for more then 24 hours to insure that he/she has not been injured. This exam is to include blood work.

Any diagnostics or treatments for the Pet are to be provided at no charge.

If the client is unwilling to let your hospital examine the pet, make a referral to another Banfield or another veterinary hospital (Do not let the pet go unexamined).

Follow Up

If the Pet is Found:

As a courtesy, the hospital team is to assemble a customized gift basket of goodies from PetSmart and send it home with the Pet. Please include a signed note from the hospital team.

If the Pet is Not Found:

In the unfortunate event that the Pet is not found after an extended amount of time, send flowers or another appropriate condolence gift to the family.

If you have any questions regarding this month's safety topic please feel free to ask during the meeting!