Handle and control veterinary patients in a veterinary setting

This standard is about the handling and control of veterinary patients in a veterinary setting so that care can be provided, as well as examinations, clinical procedures and treatment undertaken and risks to the veterinary patient, yourself and others minimised.  This will include handling and controlling the veterinary patient in the required manner using techniques relevant to the species.

You will be able to assess the risks involved, identify appropriate methods of restraint, handling and control of the veterinary patient concerned and its requirements, and able to use these methods effectively and safely in order to promote the veterinary patient's welfare at all times. The types of animals involved could include domestic, equine, exotic and wild.

You will need to be aware of your own abilities and limitations and ensure that you meet the legal responsibilities for duty of care under relevant animal health and welfare legislation.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. assess the requirements for handling and control of the veterinary patient
2. select the required method of handling and control as required for the species of veterinary patient and its veterinary requirements
3. select the required handling and control aids
4. select and use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
5. assess the potential risks to health and safety to yourself and colleagues when handling and controlling veterinary patients in a veterinary setting
6. select and implement the required infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
7. discuss and agree the handling requirements of the veterinary patient, with the client, and colleagues involved in the handling and control of the veterinary patient
8. approach the veterinary patient as required to minimise any physical distress and alarm
9. handle and control the veterinary patient using the agreed method
10. use the relevant aid selected to handle and control the veterinary patient
11. adapt the handling and control of the veterinary patient in response to its physical reactions and behaviour
12. complete the records required by the veterinary practice
13. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies
14. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice

1. how to assess the requirements for handling and control of veterinary patients in veterinary setting
2. the range of methods for handling and controlling different species of veterinary patients
3. how to select and use required aids for handling and controlling veterinary patients
4. the types of personal and protective equipment (PPE) required for the activity
5. how to assess the risks to yourself, animals, clients and colleagues when handling and controlling different types of species
6. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures within a veterinary setting
7. how to discuss and advise colleagues and clients who may assist with veterinary activities on handling methods
8. the precautions to take to prevent injury, stress or the worsening of existing conditions for the veterinary patient
9. the impact of your interaction with the veterinary patient and how to minimise any adverse effects on its behaviour
10. how to recognise and assess the signs of physical or medical concerns in the veterinary patient and understand what their responses might be
11. how to identify situations or conditions where it is not suitable for a person to approach, handle or control a veterinary patient without assistance and the possible consequences of doing so
12. how to adapt the handling and control methods used as required on veterinary patients
13. how to recognise the impact of your own behaviour on the veterinary patient
14. the records which need to be kept and the importance of completing them
15. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice.
16. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies

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