Strange happening at Doctor's Office

[mrsheppo]

I had to go to my primary care physician today and while I was in the exam room, I swear I heard a dog barking. When I went to check out at the end of the appointment, I asked the receptionist if it was my imagination and she started to laugh. She pointed to a corner of the office to show me 2 dog beds with 2 small dogs occupying them. She told me the doctor brings his dogs to work so they are not alone during the day.

I was just taken by surprise by animals in the doctor's office. I know I have seen a cat laying on the back counter at the vet's office but never in a medical office. Does this seem strange to anyone else?

I love animals and have 2 dogs and a cat. but I don't think they belong in a medical office.

 

[Flight]

Went to a doctor that had his huge cat in the office. Every time the cat was near the doctor spent time stroking it. Last time seeing that doctor.

 

[Sadie22]

We went to a pediatrician once that had a long-haired cat roaming the office, and my son had a reaction, the same as he had had at the home of a friend who had several cats. Since we took our son to the pediatrician because he was sick, we were upset that he had this reaction on top of being ill. We didn't want to leave because he was running a fever and had a very sore throat. i think he had strep. We asked that the cat be kept out of the exam room but the staff kept opening the door and would not keep the cat out. We never went back to that office and I wrote a letter of complaint to that doctor, saying that my child was made sicker due to the free-roaming cat. I think the doctor wrote off the cost of the visit.

He outgrew the cat allergy by the time he reached adulthood, thank goodness.

 

[MIGrandma]

I had to go to my primary care physician today and while I was in the exam room, I swear I heard a dog barking. When I went to check out at the end of the appointment, I asked the receptionist if it was my imagination and she started to laugh. She pointed to a corner of the office to show me 2 dog beds with 2 small dogs occupying them. She told me the doctor brings his dogs to work so they are not alone during the day.

I was just taken by surprise by animals in the doctor's office. I know I have seen a cat laying on the back counter at the vet's office but never in a medical office. Does this seem strange to anyone else?

I love animals and have 2 dogs and a cat. but I don't think they belong in a medical office.

I agree, a doctor's animals don't belong in the office. I can't even imagine. I, too, have seen a "resident cat" at the vet's office but have never seen cats or dogs at my doctor's office and wouldn't want to. I'm not allergic, but I know many people are.

 

[IMissEd]

I would be sneezing like crazy. I'm taking allergy shots, but still allergic to some dog breeds.

 

[unhinged]

I don't have allergies so it wouldn't bother me. It is the physician's practice so they can do whatever they want. Conversely, patients can do what they want too. If I had serious allergies, I would find a new doctor.

 

[Poohforyou]

Our primary doctor brings his dog to the office. He stays in the back area away from patients. I never really thought anything of it.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I used to work for a pediatric dentist that brought his Schnauzer to work everyday. Strudel had the run of the office and would sit in the chair with kids that were scared.

 

[indimom]

I've never seen a pet at a doctor's office, but I've seen them at other businesses. Our independent tax guy had a couple cats. A local hobby shop keeps a small dog.
We have therapy dogs through the hospital pretty often; and, with proper proof of vax, patients have also been allowed to have pets in to visit. I've actually only seen that once, but it is hospital policy, and I think it really helped that patient.
I don't have a problem with pets at work as long as they're friendly and not a nuisance.
But, I'm sure there are people who would have an issue with this and that is their right. Allergies could be a real issue so I would hope the doctor would alert new patients when they start at the practice.
So, my opinion would be it's the doctor's choice to keep pets at the office; and, the family's choice to choose their healthcare provider.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

As long as there are no interactions with patients and are not free roaming, I really don't see a huge problem with having dogs in a medical office.

 

[deedeetoo]

I had a doctor once that had a dog in the office and I actually thought it was great. I loved seeing the dog every time I went. It never occurred to me that it could be a problem for some people.

 

[fly girl]

No, just no. I don't like it.

Love animals, just not in a doctors office. Not appropriate to me. The doctors office is supposed to be a sterile place. Animal dander is not sanitary.

I'm out! New doctor please.

 

[cabanafrau]

I've not encountered that here. Can't say I would be a fan.

Actually I'm fairly certain the doctors we go to here would be unable to do so as they are part of a large consortium under a hospital umbrella that likely prohibits it.

 

[kamik86]

If the animal was confined to the doctors actual office (the one with their computer and desk that most of the time patients don't even go into. I would have no problem with it.

Roaming around would be a bit different.

Now at a vets office it makes sense... since no one can reasonably expect the vets office not to have animals in it. My vet had her own puppy in the back when she first got him and he couldn't be alone all day yet. I got to see the cute puppy. Win win!

 

[Jennasis]

I have a friend who manages her husband's medical office. They have two dogs that come to work with her everyday. She says the patients enjoy them. They're therapy dogs and they often hang out with patients during lengthy treatments.

I dont have a problem with it at all.

 

[smiths02]

I had a doctor once that had a dog that kind of roamed around the office. I was a little surprised, but I could have gone to a different doctor if it bothered me.

 

[eh24fan]

No, just no. I don't like it.

Love animals, just not in a doctors office. Not appropriate to me. The doctors office is supposed to be a sterile place. Animal dander is not sanitary.

I'm out! New doctor please.

Doctor's offices are FAR from sterile. They are full of sick people, germs, etc. Not to mention, just the people in general. I'm allergic to dogs and cats, as are my children. I am very allergic to cats. But even so I wouldn't freak out about either animal being at the office. I would just request that the cat not be with me and that if anyone touched the cat, they wash their hands before touching me.

 

[gwynne]

I know of a Dr's office that has an office dog. They are good about talking about the dog when you call as a new patient. If it doesn't work for you, you can always choose someone else.

 

[KathyTX]

Actually, I would be delighted! But I'm a dog lover. I would find their presence calming and pleasant.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I'd love a dog at the doctor's office! Especially if I could pet it. That would make me so much less anxious pre-appointment.