Do all vets do this?

Question

Last week, I took my kitty to the vet for her annual exam and vaccinations. After sitting in the waiting room for a bit, we got called back to what appeared to be an exam room. After a couple of minutes, a vet assistant came in and took my kitty from me and left me alone in the room. A little bit later, the doctor came into the room, gave my kitty to me and told me she was fine. He had apparently examined her and given her the shots in some other room, without me being present. I had a couple of questions and he did take time with me to answer my questions, which was nice. But it kind of surprised me that I wasn't allowed to be present during the exam. I used to be a veterinary assistant and we always allowed pet owners to be present for the exams. So I was just wondering -- is this something that all vets do now, and is there a reason for it -- or am I the only person who thinks it's strange? After all, if I wasn't there to actually witness the exam and vaccinations, how can I know for sure that the exam and shots were actually done?

Answer 1

I've always been the in the room when my vet examines my kitty. If he did give her the shots she needed, you should get proof in writing and a rabies notice that it was given. If he does this again, find another vet.

Answer 2

that's weird my vet always does everything in the room in front of me (and every vet i have ever been to also). i have never had a vet take the cat away to do exams.

Answer 3

I would never let my cats be examined with out be being present.  you may want to call the vet and ask them or find a new vet

Answer 4

It is not unusual but the assistant that took your cat was very disrespectful to you by not communicating to you what she was doing.  I have been a Vet Tech over 25 years and served in clinics and Emergency Hospitals from NJ to California.  One of the biggest problems between people of all places has always been communication.

The Smaller clinics I worked in actually used the owners in every way possible.  We had YOU actually hold your pet for just about everything.   No "frills" there...  

The larger the hospital, (and bigger the city - like LA for example) the more it seemed the owner just did not even want to get their hands dirty(And paid more not to). It was much more common for the assistants to take the pets into the back and do all of the work with the vet back there.

Sometimes the pets are removed simply because they are much better behaved away from an owner.  Or sometimes they are removed because it is thought of as a courtesy to the owner so they need not see their loved one get stuck by a needle or made to cry when the glands are expressed or a nail is possibly cut too short and hence bleeds.  The owner is then spared the smells and sights that accompany the visit like urine, stools, blood, or a frightened scratch/snap at the doc which may even embarrass the owner.  

As  Vet Tech, I realize that these are just all normal things that are a part of our every day routine.  But for some owners it can be distressing.    

So, yes - your visit should have definitley been explained to you first without a doubt.  AND you should have been given the choice of having everything done in front of you (if possible - saftey wise).   I would have that noted before your next visit what your wishes are.   But as far as if the things you requested were done, yes, I would say they probably were.

I hope I helped a little   :)

Answer 5

Definitely either ring and ask the vets if that's their normal practice or go to another vets. In my previous experience I've always stayed with my cat, and am normally required to hold her as she's not that fond of vets!  

Answer 6

I have had this happen to me twice. Once at animal emergency hospital, and the other was at Banfield. They took him away to do a comprehensive exam and fecal exam, and administer medecations intravenously. I really didnt like that, as you said how can we be sure our cats are being given the proper treatment if we arent there to witness it, and then our pets feel abandoned by us on top of this.. but they did let me in the room for his vaccinations. I even asked if i could go back with them and they told me no. i was very angry about this.

Answer 7

I would get a new vet.

Answer 8

Something doesnt sound right with that..I have ALWAYS been present at exams and shots the only time the assistant has ever taken my cat out of the room I was in was to draw blood...that is pretty much unacceptable to me I would speak up

Answer 9

I think that is very strange. I used to dog and cat and house-sit for a living, and have taken dogs and cats to vets all over the place.  I have never had anything for a basic check up or exam (shots, temp. taking, blood drawing, mouth check, etc) not done in front of me.  Anytime the vet or assistant needed to take the animal to another room, I usually was the one the carry the animal to the other area.  

The only time I've ever not been with the animal at the vet is during a surgery or some other procedure that requires an overnight stay.  

I wouldn't drop your vet right away if you think they have a good reputation, but I would ask next time you make an appointment that you be present during the exam and for the shots. If they refuse, then I would look into finding another vet.

Answer 10

At the office that I work at we do everything in front of the client other then drawing blood, getting the weight (the scale is in the tx room), and getting fecals and sometimes temps.  Those just seem to be things (as you probably know) that the owners don't want to see.  Unless the owner asks us otherwise we do all the vaccines and exam in the room with them.

I agree with you I think it would make me nervous to take my pet to a vets office and never see what they do to my pet or see the doctor do his/her exam

Answer 11

My vets always do this in front of me, unless they're doing a blood draw where the extra hands are in another room and can't come in to help.

Answer 12

I would recommend not seeing this vet if he keeps that up. You must be present and give him permission to give any type of treatment or shots or even an exam.