Boundary Vets has received the Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation from Dogs Trust, the UK's largest canine charity, and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association.
The award recognises high-quality services and excellent care provided to dogs.
Sharon Dumper, client care assistant at Boundary Vets, said: “We are extremely proud of our dog-friendly accreditation.
“We have worked very hard ensuring we meet all the criteria.
“The new layout at the practice is more spacious and includes special shelving so cats don't have to see dogs, while the dog area is better designed and has more room.
“There’s also sunken floor scales in reception, as we know some dogs are nervous of going on scales, and these have proved to be a success.”
In addition to re-structuring the interior space, other dog-friendly measures such as new enrichment toys have been introduced.
Boundary Vets is also working to support dogs who are nervous or reactive by allowing pet owners to wait outside with a pager until they need to enter.
Ms Dumper added: “It is an ongoing process and we aim to keep up to date with new ideas and developments through the Dogs Trust.”
Plans are in place to compile an information folder with useful tips and ideas for clients, as well as provision for scales in a safe area outside the practice for the extremely anxious dogs.
Dr Rachel Casey, director of strategy and transformation at Dogs Trust, said: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs' lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with the British Veterinary Behaviour Association to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.
“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”
Chris Laurence, chair of the British Veterinary Behaviour Association, added: “Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.
“We're delighted Boundary Vets has joined our dog-friendly community.
“By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”
Dogs Trust works to rehome dogs, helps owners who are struggling to look after their pets and cares for dogs who do not have a home.
