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A doctor’s appointment is probably not the most awaited thing on your schedule. Trust me, your four-legged friend is likely equally unimpressed. And “unimpressed” is a soft word to refer to many people's experience of feeling anxious, nauseated and simply in fear before knocking on a GP’s or a vet’s door.

Some of us fear that the doctor will find something seriously wrong with us or our pets, others dread the “uncertainty” of whatever it is they are going to find out in their office.

And while we fight our demons armed with “what if” scenarios, some doctors and veterinarians take an extra step to make sure not just our health but also our state of being is in a good place.

So as a tribute to them, Bored Panda compiled this list with heartwarming examples of doctors and vets making us feel less miserable and way brighter. Whether it’s a simple comforting gesture or some cute decor in their office that makes you smile, little things work wonders!

#1

Saw This Next To The Weighting Scale At The Hospital

Saw This Next To The Weighting Scale At The Hospital

bassibanezacura Report

#2

My Local Vet Has A Sign And Candle For When Someone’s Saying Goodbye To Their Pet

My Local Vet Has A Sign And Candle For When Someone’s Saying Goodbye To Their Pet

trojanknight Report

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charlieroy avatar
Roy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish pets to have same duration of life as their owners.

camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat's vet has this in their office. They are such wonderful caring people. With one pet, the lab test came back close to closing time, and with that I knew it was time for Mr. Charles to head over the bridge. I didn't want him spending his last night in a cage away from me. They stayed open late until I could get there. Above and beyond.

remiflynne avatar
Remi Flynne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've paid extra and had the vet come to me so that it can be done in their home, on my lap. I realise I'm very lucky that so far I've been able to do that. Anything to minimise it for them.

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john_123 avatar
More Thinking Needed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read that people who are putting their pet down should accompany the dog (as hard as it might be) and be there when he/she passes. It is very comforting to the dog, who intuitively knows what is happening.

jaekrijnen avatar
Jaekry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not, ever, leave your pet alone for this. Yes, it's hard. But so much harder for them. Being a true pet mom/dad, this should not even be in your mind.

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jaekrijnen avatar
Jaekry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had to put our sweet ragdoll to sleep. She was just exhausted at 18(!). Best decision ever: we had at done at home. And no, it didn't feel having Death in home. Just an instantly peaceful and soft sweetheart relaxing in her favourite blanket... Her 'frown of hurth' was gone. The vet brought a baby blanket (to keep our home clean), left us. After some time (2/3 hours) we felt okay to bring her away. We've grieved deeply, but being at home, was so much better. (Our other cat was euthanized at the vet, still loving, but leaving him behind gutted me for months.) Bringing away instead of leaving behind, is what I learned from this.

lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of our dogs were euthanased at home, in their beds. It cost more, but there was no question. The candle idea is good.

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Rod Egret
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to go to our awesome vet clinic pretty often to pick up food, medication etc for our 3 cats. The best part is when the pet bird yells at me until I come to say hello. The worst is that I often see people entering with a pet and leaving without. Every single time it breaks my heart.

steffi_hill avatar
Steph
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so thoughtful- I love this so very much!!!! It makes me cry

erynnedittmann avatar
Erynne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My vet does this and I'll tell you, when I had to put my heart dog to rest, it made a difference.]

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PattonPawter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The vet we went to has this candle too, it seems to be a common thing in vets.

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8Yorkies-and-63cats
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And as hard as it is to be present when the vet is euthanizing your pet, you MUST be there to hold and pet it. Vets revealed what pets do just before they go, and it is tragic: they are desperately looking around the room for their owners.

lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I'm glad my dog, by nature's rule, will go before me. I hate the thought that if I died, someone would stick her back in a shelter or possibly put her down due to age. Best scenario for me would be that she would pass on the same day as I would then hopefully we go to wherever we go, together.

dk_5 avatar
D K
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve had to put two cats down at the vet and they had this candle lit each time. I whispered loving words in my kitty’s ears as they faded away and held them in my arms for a while afterward, bawling my eyes out. 💔🥺😭

jo_davies2208 avatar
Jo Davies
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my word, this brought a tear to my eye! What a beautiful thought.

lordmysticlaw avatar
Lord Mysticlaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so thoughtful and kind. My vet office always schedules appointments for euthanasia for just after closing time so that there aren't other people in. But we've also had to take in a cat in the middle of the day in an emergency because he was in an accident and couldn't be saved.

jmscargill avatar
Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My vet had their candles lit for us when we took our beloved Henry last month. It was a small but reassuring and kind gesture. We were touched by the thought.

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Alexandra Hughes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My vet does this as well. It’s a lovely thing to do but it breaks my heart.

ngaerew avatar
NWB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have this at our local vets...I cried when I first saw the candle there.

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Gabrielle braswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats beautiful . i just lost Ellie my beloved bearded dragon of 12 years

rilied avatar
Rilie D
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww, that's very considerate of them! Every vet's office should do this

kimberpritty avatar
Kimber Pritty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My vet shed a tear (a man in his 70s who has been our neighbourhood vet since my childhood) and had to leave the room. I believe he felt the weight of the loss as much as I. My dog was a strong, seemingly healthy happy dog just days before. Turns out Burkit had a hidden, silent killer slowly attacking him from the inside out. Then I got a card in the mail expressing his condolences! ❤️

nehru avatar
Brenda S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having to sit in a public space as the process to let go of a fur baby ….. a clinic willing to request respect to a fur babies grieving …. this is a beautiful gesture

dianerpeek avatar
Clover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This brought tears to my eyes. So sad. I have heard that at least one vet has a jar of chocolate kisses on their counter. The jar has a sign on it that says "GOOD BYE KISSES". They give one to a dog right before euthanasia, as a last treat for them.

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Sam Kunz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember when I had to put my cat to sleep. It was the hardest thing I ever did.

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#3

In Spanish-Speaking Countries, The Tooth Fairy Is A Mouse (Ratoncito Pérez). This Is My Dentist Office

In Spanish-Speaking Countries, The Tooth Fairy Is A Mouse (Ratoncito Pérez). This Is My Dentist Office

ZurgTS Report

To find out why so many of us feel that anxious about visiting a doctor or a vet, we spoke with Dr. Rory Lubold, the chief medical operations officer at Galaxy Vets. “A trip to the doctor is stressful for all of us, pets included. There is an added level of anxiety with a trip to the veterinarian because we can’t explain to our pets why we have taken them away from home.”

Moreover, for pets, the veterinary office is a place with unfamiliar smells, sounds and other pets they don’t know, Rory explained. “There is often something invasive done, such as a temperature being taken and their daily routine is interrupted by this car trip, which can be stressful as well. There are specific items and attire, such as scrubs, white coats, stethoscopes, and other equipment that pets can associate with it,” he told us.

#4

A Doctor Made A "Special Prescription" For An Illiterate Patient

A Doctor Made A "Special Prescription" For An Illiterate Patient

vampirobrasileiro Report

#5

A moving "Thank You" To a vet

A moving "Thank You" To a vet

8outof10cats Report

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Rory explained that the stress with a doctor’s visit is often associated with the anticipation of unpleasant things, and the fear of the unknown. “For pet parents, it is the fear of learning that something is wrong with their pet or the unknown costs associated with treating the pet. There can also be a negative association with a veterinarian’s office because it is the place to go when your pet has an emergency, is very ill, or where you might have had to say goodbye to a pet.”

#8

This May Not Seem Like Much, But After 10 Years, I Am Stepping Down As A Practicing Veterinarian. This Is Every Thank You Card And Picture That I've Received Over The Last Decade

This May Not Seem Like Much, But After 10 Years, I Am Stepping Down As A Practicing Veterinarian. This Is Every Thank You Card And Picture That I've Received Over The Last Decade

sab340 Report

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The chief medical operations office at Galaxy Vets added that pets are also very intuitive and will pick up on the stress and anxiety from their parents, which can add to their own discomfort.

When asked whether there’s anything to be done to make the patients feel less stressed, Rory said that veterinary clinics have indeed many ways to make this experience less stressful and still provide excellent medicine. “There are simple things such as keeping the clinic very clean to reduce smells, adding pheromones to lower pet stress, and creating positive associations, such as treats and visits where nothing bad happens.”

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#10

This Coffee Mug In My Doctor's Office Telling It Like It Is

This Coffee Mug In My Doctor's Office Telling It Like It Is

nthensome Report

#11

At The Local Vet's

At The Local Vet's

180311-Fresh Report

#12

We Really Take Post-Op Care Seriously At My Job. Cuddles Is The Best Medicine

We Really Take Post-Op Care Seriously At My Job. Cuddles Is The Best Medicine

Blumkinpunkin Report

“The most effective way to comfort patients is to change how veterinary practices approach delivering care. Veterinary clinics may add virtual care to help answer questions and treat minor conditions without a stressful trip. If a relationship with a pet and its family exists, many questions can be answered and conditions treated with a low-stress video or phone call,” Rory explained.

#13

This Was Outside My Local Vet's Office. It Made My Day And I Hope It Makes Yours

This Was Outside My Local Vet's Office. It Made My Day And I Hope It Makes Yours

NotactuallySimba Report

#15

Friend's Daughter Is Afraid Of Monsters In Her Closet. The Doctor Had The Pharmacy Fill This For Her

Friend's Daughter Is Afraid Of Monsters In Her Closet. The Doctor Had The Pharmacy Fill This For Her

reddit.com Report

Another way to comfort pets is to help their parents better understand the cost expectations for care. It turns out that “financial stress is one of the most significant issues in treating pets and both pet parents and veterinary teams feel this stress.” Rory said that “we can help with the addition of clear payment options, pet insurance, and wellness programs that distribute the costs for care over a longer period of time.”

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#16

My Cousin's Costume. He's A Dentist. And Yes, He's At Work

My Cousin's Costume. He's A Dentist. And Yes, He's At Work

imgur.com Report

#17

I Saw This At The Doctor’s Office Today

I Saw This At The Doctor’s Office Today

DoodlingDaughter Report

#18

Dropped Her Off At The Vet As A Dog. Picked Her Up From The Vet As A Taco

Dropped Her Off At The Vet As A Dog. Picked Her Up From The Vet As A Taco

TranceMakesMeDance Report

#19

The Teddy Bear Is Taken Care Of

The Teddy Bear Is Taken Care Of

pdmcneely Report

#20

My Outdoor Cat Is So Fat The Vet Added A New Category In The Diagram Just For Charlie

My Outdoor Cat Is So Fat The Vet Added A New Category In The Diagram Just For Charlie

gyoonyoo Report

#21

My Friend's Work Requires A Doctor's Note If You Call In Sick

My Friend's Work Requires A Doctor's Note If You Call In Sick

eaglel66 Report

#23

Babies Born In The Festive Period Are Wrapped Up In Christmas Stockings

Babies Born In The Festive Period Are Wrapped Up In Christmas Stockings

abcnews.go.com Report

#24

The Was On The Whiteboard Outside Of Radiology At My Vet Hospital

The Was On The Whiteboard Outside Of Radiology At My Vet Hospital

anonymouswriter9 Report

#25

Kitty Got A Boo Boo And The Vet Made His Body Cast Look Like A Little Shirt And Tie

Kitty Got A Boo Boo And The Vet Made His Body Cast Look Like A Little Shirt And Tie

jennthemermaid Report

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#26

Saw This At My Doctor's Office, Definitely Neat With The New Covid Vaccine Coming Out

Saw This At My Doctor's Office, Definitely Neat With The New Covid Vaccine Coming Out

MayaMuffin Report

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mariawahroln avatar
SheHulk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had whooping cough, measles, chickenpox and mumps as a child and I am so glad my own son (adult now) didn´t have to through this. By being vaccinated!

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#27

A Client At My Friend's Vet Clinic Told Them It Was Their Dogs B-Day Today So Post-Op They Did This

A Client At My Friend's Vet Clinic Told Them It Was Their Dogs B-Day Today So Post-Op They Did This

Sirhcnihc Report

#28

This Vet With A Kitty In Her Pocket

This Vet With A Kitty In Her Pocket

shyabang Report

#29

Had To Take My Cat To The Vet. Ridiculously Handsome

Had To Take My Cat To The Vet. Ridiculously Handsome

taoofdavid Report

#30

Had To Get My Blood Drawn Today. This Was On The Wall At The Lab

Had To Get My Blood Drawn Today. This Was On The Wall At The Lab

lizzistardust Report

#31

My Vet Has An Empty Cabinet In The Exam Rooms Specifically For Cats To Hide In When They’re Not Being Examined

My Vet Has An Empty Cabinet In The Exam Rooms Specifically For Cats To Hide In When They’re Not Being Examined

Beckandrews Report

#32

This Was In My Dentist's Waiting Room

This Was In My Dentist's Waiting Room

kiffmeizter Report

#33

Best Pain Scale Ever. Found At My Wife's Doctor's Office

Best Pain Scale Ever. Found At My Wife's Doctor's Office

toastermonkey02 Report

#34

My Doctor Has Kept All The Pictures Kids Have Drawn Of Him

My Doctor Has Kept All The Pictures Kids Have Drawn Of Him

Drewskie888 Report

#35

My Doctor's Office Has A Legitimate Stool Sample

My Doctor's Office Has A Legitimate Stool Sample

jake_aldoroty Report

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#36

Doctors Paint The MRI Machine In The Children's Clinic To Look Like A Submarine

Doctors Paint The MRI Machine In The Children's Clinic To Look Like A Submarine

Klinika za dječje bolesti Zagreb - "Klaićeva" Report

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Isaac Harvey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every hospital should do this. I'm 18, but I will admit that the white color on MRI machines isn't exactly appealing.

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#38

Went To My Local Vet Clinic To Drop Off My Dog For Surgery And Was Surprised To See This Awesome Fish Tank/Dog House

Went To My Local Vet Clinic To Drop Off My Dog For Surgery And Was Surprised To See This Awesome Fish Tank/Dog House

dogeaterr Report

#39

Doctor’s Office Got Jokes... But Seriously, Vaccinate

Doctor’s Office Got Jokes... But Seriously, Vaccinate

Ruby_Radiant Report

#40

Back At The Very Start Of The Pandemic, I Had To Take My Mom To Urgent Care For A Non-Covid Issue, And This Was The Doctor That Entered The Room

Back At The Very Start Of The Pandemic, I Had To Take My Mom To Urgent Care For A Non-Covid Issue, And This Was The Doctor That Entered The Room

I still can't get it out of my head.

SixteenSeveredHands Report

#41

My Wife Took Our Cat To The Vet's, And My Son Told The Vet His Toy Dinosaur Was Feeling Poorly So The Vet Gave It An X-Ray

My Wife Took Our Cat To The Vet's, And My Son Told The Vet His Toy Dinosaur Was Feeling Poorly So The Vet Gave It An X-Ray

DonutNinjaa Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course his T-Rex was feeling poorly. He's only been dead for the past 65 million years!

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#43

Girlfriend's Eye Doctor Hit Her With A Good Ol' Dad Joke Today

Girlfriend's Eye Doctor Hit Her With A Good Ol' Dad Joke Today

Slicktcklr Report

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camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd actually give this too my boss. "I just want you to know that I am so dedicated to my job that I'm willing to not follow doctor's orders to be here today"

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#44

IV Bag Plant Watering Thing I Saw At My Doctor's Office

IV Bag Plant Watering Thing I Saw At My Doctor's Office

Hyperi0us Report

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camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We once had a goldfish in our staff lounge. Just so they would not get over fed we put a Medication Administration Record beside the bowl for people to sign off on feeding at listed times. One day when someone was cleaning the bowl they dropped the fish and it spent a bit if time on the floor. Put it back in the bowl. It could still swim, but it didn't look good. Our lounge used to be an exam room so it had a connection for oxygen. We rigged up an O2 nasal cannula into the water. It didn't help. It eventually died. We held a little funeral in the dirty utility room across the hall. Yep. We really did. Flushed him down the Rainbow Drain. We kept it secret because we didn't want to scare the patients that we couldn't even keep a goldfish alive.😳

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#45

So My Dad Got His Hip Replaced And Had The Doctor Save It So He Could Turn It Into A Cane

So My Dad Got His Hip Replaced And Had The Doctor Save It So He Could Turn It Into A Cane

steamviking Report

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#48

My Local Dentist Has A Ceiling "Where's Wally?" For Patients During Appointments

My Local Dentist Has A Ceiling "Where's Wally?" For Patients During Appointments

mtmannion Report

#49

My Coworker Got His Wisdom Teeth Removed The Other Day, The Doctor Said He Would Take A Funny Picture While He Was Under Anesthesia

My Coworker Got His Wisdom Teeth Removed The Other Day, The Doctor Said He Would Take A Funny Picture While He Was Under Anesthesia

snowcommander Report

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camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By the look on your friend's face he was getting some pretty good "laughing gas" too.

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#50

The Ceiling At My Vet Had Paws On It

The Ceiling At My Vet Had Paws On It

Bitman2816 Report

Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.