Veterinary Client Mediation Service

08/12/2024

For help over the festive period please visit our website
https://www.vetmediation.co.uk/

07/12/2024

Small pets feel the cold too, even if they’re used to living outside ❄️

Rabbits and guinea pigs are sensitive to the cold and can become unwell if they get too chilly, so it's important to find ways to help them stay cosy during the colder months.

Make their winter a warm one by following our top tips ❤️

[Visual description: An infographic titled 'keeping small and outdoor pets warm'. Tips detailed include: wrap up water bottles to avoid freezing, plenty of bedding, well covered pet-safe heat pads, provide cover on outdoor runs, extra warmth (blankets), bring them inside in the worst weather, waterproof and insulate hutch roof and keep their hutch out of snow or rain.]

07/12/2024

How much chocolate is dangerous to your dog?

⚠️ Please note: You should contact your vet practice for advice regardless of the amount of chocolate your dog has eaten. They will be able to provide recommendations on what action needs to be taken.

05/12/2024

Wondering how to keep you pets happy and calm over the Christmas period?
The RSPCA have suggested some hints and tips to help, see more here:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/christmas/calm

26/11/2024

The first Meet the team webinar is today, to book please email us on,
[email protected]

24/11/2024

Dont forget to book your space for our
Meet the team webinar
Understanding how the VCMS can help with your complaints
To book - email us: [email protected]
See you then!

24/11/2024

20/11/2024

We are hosting 2 free webinars to meet our resolution team managers!
Find out more by booking now! 🐶🐱
Email us: [email protected]

18/11/2024

MEET THE TEAM!
Join us for a free webinar to meet our resolution managers.
Email: [email protected] to book

11/11/2024

Silence

As the blanket of silence falls across the United Kingdom on Armistice Day we are reminded of the power of silence, as we reflect and remember those that have served in or been impacted by conflicts and wars.

Silence can be a powerful tool to resolve disputes and facilitate mediation.

By remaining silent and simply listening to someone it can make that person feel heard. It reassures them that someone is listening, and they have been provided with the opportunity to express themselves. This can help to calm the situation and provide the person with the opportunity to process how they are feeling so that they are able to listen and start to engage.

In the context of veterinary complaints, both animal owners and veterinary professionals feel a strong, emotional connection to the animals in their care. So often an animal represents more than a pet, it is symbolic of something else or connected to other significant family relationships.

As humans, our reactions to a situation can include links or triggers from the past, and this can make a situation harder to navigate or to articulate our point of view in a clear or constructive way. It may also ‘cloud’ how the other person in the situation may view or understand our position. To different extents, these are ‘trauma responses’ and can be triggered by many things; it could be a word, smell, event, or action. These can be deep rooted and sub-conscious and therefore not everyone knows what or why they are reacting in the way they do. Providing space through silence can give those involved the time to express themselves and also the time to hear and truly understand the other person’s perspective. A useful reminder for us all is to listen to understand, not to reply. To do this we often need to embrace the silence.

Silence can also punctuate what is said. Sometimes a pause at the beginning or the end of a sentence can help to provide thinking time and an opportunity for everyone to breathe. This slows down the pace of the conversation and facilitates reflection whilst calming down the situation.

Sometimes when confronted with a conflict situation, the fewer words the better. Reflecting back on the wise words of those who came before us, I am reminded of my Grandmother’s advice – ‘we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and it is sensible to use them in those proportions’. Next time we face a conflict or am emotive conversation, we can remind ourselves of the benefits of standing back and listening, punctuating what we say with silence, providing everyone with an opportunity to process think, pause and reflect.

10/11/2024

Animals like horses, dogs and pigeons were often drafted into the war effort. The purple poppy represents all animals who have served and/or died during conflict. Today we remember them.

10/11/2024

A day of
Remembrance
-Lest We Forget-

One of our Mediators has written a few words on the power of silence.

Have you ever walked into a quiet room and felt the power of silence?
Top tip: Sometimes when confronted with a conflict situation, the fewer words the better. Next time someone becomes angry or frustrated, simply listen and let them express themselves. Then punctate what you say with silence. This provides everyone with an opportunity to process think, pause and reflect. It often helps to calm down the situation, before responding.

08/11/2024

Following Bonfire night…
Remember, remember we are here to help with your veterinary complaints.
Have a look at our website for helpful guides, FAQs and our online enquiry form.

https://www.vetmediation.co.uk/

05/11/2024

Planning your Bonfire night?
Don’t forget animals have very acute hearing and can be sensitive to loud bangs and whistles.
Some sparkling advice on keeping your pets safe this Bonfire evening, from the charity Blue Cross.
Find more information here:

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/wellbeing-and-care/fireworks-and-pets

14/10/2024

Missed us at BVRA ?

Don’t worry – call our services on 0345 040 5834 to talk to a friendly complaint resolution manager at your convenience.