Doctors

• Discuss the guidelines and toolkit at a doctors’ meeting.
• Using the model provided (online), write your practice’s protocol.
• Decide responsibilities for completing specific tasks and assign to doctors and technicians.

During the wellness exam:

• Review the appropriate life stage checklist with the client.
• With the client, review the pet’s history.
• With client agreement, perform indicated procedures.
• Share educational materials with the client.
• If test results are abnormal, follow up with the client and recommend a plan for next steps.

Practice manager

• Meet with doctors and technicians to discuss how the guidelines and the toolkit will be used.
• File the completed protocol and schedule periodic reviews/updates of it.
• Maintain an adequate supply of materials required to implement the guidelines in each exam room and at the reception desk.
• Based on the practice protocol, determine which checklist(s) will be used for each patient.
• Ensure that checklists are completed for every client visit.
• Give a copy of the relevant checklist(s) to each client.
• Plan team meetings for training and motivation.
• Track scheduling and follow up on reminders and appointments.

All practice team members

• In a team meeting, discuss the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines and toolkit.
• Discuss how you will use the tools.
• Clarify each team member’s roles.
• Discuss ways to educate and motivate clients to participate as your partner in their pet’s care.
• Follow the guidelines with your own pets.

Technicians

• With doctors, determine which tasks and procedures will be performed by technicians and which by doctors.
• With the client, review the pet’s history.
• With the client, review the tests, assessments and procedures that will be performed.
• Show the client relevant training tools.
• After procedures, follow up with the client to check the pet’s status or report normal laboratory test results.

Client service representatives

• Answer client questions, or to let clients know who will be able to do so.
• Give clients relevant printed information on check out.
• Review procedures that were performed, explaining the value of wellness care.
• Schedule the next appointment at check out.
• Emphasize that regular care promotes the pet’s quality of life and longevity.
• Send reminders at appropriate times using the client’s preferred method (e-mail, telephone, or mail).