So it's finally time to design your veterinary office. Whether you're refreshing it or starting from scratch, you have a lot of big decisions to make. How can you ensure that you're using optimal design practices?

Making a great veterinary hospital design layout isn't as easy as it seems. There are a lot of things that go into making everything comfortable for staff, your patients, and their owners alike.

We're here to talk about a few common veterinary hospital design mistakes that people make so you can avoid them. Read on to learn more.

1. Not Incorporating Color

Many vets make the mistake of trying to make their offices look too "clinical." While you're literally operating a veterinary clinic, you still want your space to look welcoming. Adding a few pops of color will make a big difference.

Adding color won't only modernize your office and make it more comfortable for pet owners, but it might also help pets. Contrary to popular belief, pets are able to see colors.

Swapping out your beige walls for soft and warm pastel colors or bold and dark colors can decrease stress levels for everyone in your waiting room, furry friends, and human companions alike.

2. Using the Wrong Materials

Material choices matter when you're designing a veterinary office! Remember, you need to make sure that your office is easy to clean and still comfortable.

When it comes to your floors, vinyl is a great choice. It's soft enough for puppy paws, it's easy to clean, and it dampens noise to some degree. With your furniture, opt for non-wood materials that are easy to wipe down. If you have fabric cushions, make sure that the covers are removable.

3. Not Considering Noise and Smell Control

All medical practices need to consider noise and smell control, but it's a larger problem for veterinary offices. Animals are sensitive to smells and noises. They will feel more anxious if they're constantly exposed to the scents and sounds of other pets.

While this isn't entirely avoidable, you can place your HVAC units strategically to filter air and clear out smells. Use thick walls and appropriate flooring to dampen noises.

4. Not Giving Animals Space

This is tricky if you have a small practice, but it can make a big difference to the overall comfort of your four-legged patients. Make sure that animals all have enough space when they're in the waiting room.

It's helpful to have nooks where owners can sit with anxious animals, so they don't have to interact with or see others. Having a small outdoor area for dogs is also a good idea (both for hygiene and animal anxiety).

How Will You Design Your Veterinary Office?

Having great veterinary office design will help your practice thrive. Keep these common mistakes in mind when you're doing your renovation project, and you're sure to stay on the right track.

Are you looking for experienced professionals to help you design your veterinary office? At Arminco Inc, we have the expertise that you need for an effective design project. Contact us to get started today.