Patient Care – Handling and Restraint
Patient handling and restraint will be performed to minimize injury to the client,
patient and hospital staff. Handling and restraint should be performed in a
manner that minimizes stress and injury to the patient. Handling and restraint
are necessary to evaluate a patient, retrieve diagnostic samples and perform
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Goals
 Avoid injury to clients, patients and staff
 Obtain diagnostic samples
 Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
 Minimize stress and handling of patients
 Pharmacologic restraint may minimize patient stress and optimize
diagnostics or therapeutics
 Communicate with clients the recommendations for restraint.
Oversight
A veterinary technician or veterinarian will communicate with the pet owner
whether or not restraint will be required and what type of restraint will be used.
Any pharmacologic restraint will be discussed with the owner by a veterinarian.
Approval of pharmacologic restraint will be given by the owner over the phone to
the veterinarian or via a signed consent form. Side effects and potential
complications of pharmacologic restraint will be discussed with the owner by the
veterinarian prior to administration.
Process
The client is not permitted to participate in the restraint of their pet at any time.
Handling and restraint may be performed by animal care attendants, veterinary
technicians and veterinarians properly trained in animal restraint and handling.
Any form of restraint used in the presence of the owner should be explained prior
to use. Restraint devices such as muzzles, cat bags, restraint collars and poles
should not be applied in the presence of the owner unless the owner
understands and approves their use.