How to Say Thank You to Your Veterinarian
This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
When it comes to keeping our furry friends healthy and adding precious years to the time we have them in our lives, there’s no one who does more for us than our veterinary team. They’re there for wellness checks, dental visits, as well as unexpected illness and injury. They even to handle some of the more unpleasant things that our pets need — like expressing anal glands and trimming nails.
As much as they do for us and for our pets, though, a trip to the veterinarian isn’t high on most pet parents’ list of favorite ways to spend an afternoon. And if your pet experiences any anxiety in the car or at the vet’s office, it can be even more difficult. Thankfully, it’s been my experience that a great veterinary team can make the experience much more pleasant.
Pin Me!
I’ve been taking Chilly and Olivia to see the amazing people at St. Francis Pet Care Center for years now, and I couldn’t be happier with the care we’ve received. The staff greet them by name and put them right at ease with lots of baby talk and compassionate care. And most veterinarians and their dedicated staff treat their furry patients just as well.
In spite of all they do for us, it can be easy to take our veterinary team for granted – even the really great ones. That’s why every once in a while I try to do something extra to express my appreciation for my amazing friends at St. Francis Pet Care Center.
Would you like to bark out your appreciation to your veterinary team for all they do for you and your pets? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
8 Ways to Say Thank You to Your Veterinarian
1. Drop Off Some Treats
I can’t think of anyone who’s day wouldn’t be brightened by some yummy treats arriving at the office. If you like to bake, you could try your paw at some animal-themed cookies with cookie cutters like these. Or you could go the healthy route with a nice fruit or veggie platter, or a fancy arrangement from Edible Arrangements.
- Made in the USA with certified food safe American steel
- Recipe booklet included for delicious cookies
- Also works for cutting fondant, biscuits, brownies, or cakes
2. Energize Them with Caffeine
Most veterinarians and their staff work long, busy days. Between scheduled appointments and emergency visits they don’t have much time to rest and recharge. You could help boost their energy a bit by delivering some freshly brewed coffee (along with cups, cream, and sugar) from your local coffee house.
Another option would be to create a gift basket. Fill it with bags of coffee, tea, cream, and sugar for them to enjoy at their convenience. You could even include some of these adorable mugs as the “paw-fect” way to enjoy their pick-me-up!
- High quality ceramic printed on both sides
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Large, easy-grip handle
3. Leave a Paws-itive Review
Many people look to online reviews when they’re searching for a reliable health care provider for their pets. Leaving a glowing review of your veterinary team on Yelp!, Google, Facebook, Angie’s List, or another local forum is a great way to show your appreciation and possibly send some business their way. Plus you’ll be helping other pet parents find a clinic they can trust.
4. Send a Purr-sonal Gift
A great way to give a gift that special purr-sonal touch is to have your veterinarian’s name or the name of the practice added to something like a pen or a picture. I love this custom cartoon print. The person can be customized to fit your vet’s description.
- Each picture is customized with any name and any other text you want
- Available as male or female, light or dark skin, and blonde, brown, black, red, or gray hair
5. Make a Donation
Many veterinary clinics have certain animal-related issues or charities they care about and support. Give yours a call and ask about causes near and dear to them. Then make a donation in their honor.
They may also have a “wish list” of items like blankets or treats to provide for the animals they treat. Some practices even have internal emergency funds set aside to help pet owners who are unable to pay. Donating to these could help them give care to animals in need.
6. Brighten with Blooms
Nothing lifts spirits or brightens a room like a sunny, cheery floral bouquet. I’m paw-ticularly fond of the a-DOG-able Collection from 1-800-FLOWERS. Created by hand in the shape of – you guessed it – a cute little pup, these beautiful blooms come in a variety of designs and are sure to unleash a myriad of smiles.
7. Write a Note – Using Actual Pen and Paper!
Sure, sending an email or leaving a message on Facebook is great. But as we all know, there’s really nothing like receiving a real letter or card in the mail. I love this set of pet themed thank you notes. It’s the paw-fect way for any pet parent to express appreciation.
This gesture may be inexpensive, but I guarantee it’ll be memorable! Be sure to let your team know why you appreciate them, including specific examples if you have any. And feel free to pop a pic of your pet in the envelope too!
8. Make Their Job Easier
While it’s not a direct expression of thanks, you can show your veterinary staff that you appreciate them by doing what you can to make their job easier. Make sure that you’re on time for your appointment. Being even a few minutes late could leave them running behind for the rest of the day. And speaking of running behind, remember that emergencies and unexpected issues do arise, so be patient if you have to wait a few minutes to be seen. In addition, follow their advice. Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions, but in the end they are the experts on pet health, and they will always suggest what they believe is in your pet’s best interest.
Saying thank you to your veterinary team might not take a lot of time out of your day, but it could make a huge difference to the people who do so much to keep your furry friends healthy.
My thank you to my vet is paying their invoice before I leave their place of business. do you know a specialist that can use a laser and help a small doggie who can’t walk too well because of her artritis.??? A good one that is knowledgable and experienced. Thank you.
I like that you mentioned that leaving a positive review is a good way to thank a vet because it would also be the way for me to find one in the first place. I recently adopted a new poodle and would like to have him vaccinated as soon as possible. Hopefully, I could find a veterinary clinic service that’s available on the weekends because that would be the only time I could go to one without using up a leave on my job.
Hi Alice,
Congrats on your new addition! You might be surprised how many vet offices are open in the evenings and on the weekends! You can find a Fear Free certified veterinarian near you here. Fear Free vets are certified in helping your pets feel more comfortable and calmer during their visit.
Sending gifts and some supplies to a veterinarian only seems right after all of the things they can do for you. Their jobs are quite tough, so you would really need to show them how much you care by sending them things they might use. Once I start regularly going to a veterinarian in the area, I’ll make sure that I return their favor by sending them gifts like you suggested.