Our Practice Puts Cats First!
At Newtown Square Veterinary Hospital, the cat is king! With cats being the most beloved pet in the country, there is a growing need to improve the health care and overall well-being of the feline population. Whether it’s a routine checkup or special visit, the staff at NSVH is committed to ensuring that cats get the best care. And, to further its dedication, our clinic recently implemented the Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) program to offer pet owners more at every phase of the cat’s health care process. “We are committed to providing quality care to our feline patients,” says Dr. Heather DiGiacomo, owner of NSVH. “When building NSVH, I created a space and a practice philosophy that will make the veterinary visit more positive for cats and cat owners!”
NSVH is one of a select few practices in the Philadelphia area that achieved Gold Certification from the AAFP!
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) pioneered the CFP program to provide a framework for creating a positive practice environment for cats, including medical care that supports the cat’s unique needs and knowledgeable staff members who understand feline-friendly handling. At NSVH, our specially trained veterinary staff incorporates cat-friendly features into the physical environment of the practice including special waiting rooms and waiting accommodations, feline-sensitive examination rooms and ward facilities, and equipment appropriate specifically for cats. Our staff members also approach cat care in a different manner. The staff learns how to understand the needs of the cat such as how to interpret a cat’s facial expression and body language. Furthermore, the staff is well-trained in alternate techniques to calm an anxious cat and ensure that exams and procedures do not escalate anxiety. Dr. DiGiacomo emphasizes: “We can proudly say that from the minute they walk through the door, our patients and clients will be part of a welcoming, comfortable experience that will ultimately lead to the improved health of our feline patients.”
Read more about NSVH’s philosophy as a Fear Free Practice.
