Indicating Whether a Cage/Run Is in Use

When a patient is removed from its cage to go home, we remove the identification card from the front of the cage and place it inside the cage. This signals the kennel staff and assistant that the cage can be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for a new patient.

To indicate that a dog run is not being used, we remove the identification card, turn the water bowl/bucket upside down, and leave the gate open. To indicate that a dog is being walked or receiving treatment, the run is left intact and closed.

Shannon Matthews, LVT

Transporting a Patient That Requires Supplemental Oxygen

When a patient that requires supplemental oxygen needs to be transported to an emergency clinic, we make an oxygen hood and ask the client to rent a portable oxygen tank, which is inexpensive, from a nearby medical supply store. To make the oxygen hood, we find an Elizabethan collar that is at least one size too big and use plastic cling wrap to cover three-quarters of the top opening, allowing moisture and carbon dioxide to escape through the uncovered area. We place the oxygen hood on the patient, attach the tubing from the oxygen tank, and initiate the flow of oxygen.

Crystal Rachal and Shannon Blankenship

Convenient Calculators

To avoid misplacing our calculators, we use Velcro to attach them to the walls in convenient locations.

Michele Kowalczewski