One of the best things about our profession is the range of people, animals and situations we encounter on a daily basis. It keeps us on our toes and more often than not gives us something to smile about on the way home, especially when it involves “one of those” clients.

Now I absolutely love all of my clients in one way or another but I think every vet has that collection of special clients that they think about more frequently than most:

• The Mrs Pumphrey

If you don’t know what I mean by Mrs Pumphrey then you should read the James Herriot books and I’m sorry gentlemen, but this one is most likely aimed at you… “Mrs Pumphrey” will think you’re god’s gift to animals and you will get the deserved recognition… much to your colleagues amusement.

• The Worrier

You know that client that calls because their dog sneezed one time? Or their cat just didn’t eat with as much gusto today? At least they care about their pets though right?

• The Anti-Worrier

Every action must have an equal and opposite reaction.

These are the people that bring their dog to you after it has had diarrhoea and vomiting for the past month and not been walking right for the last week and has suddenly started collapsing… “But it’s all started so suddenly”…

• The Challenge

The client that thinks everything you do is child’s play and they could probably do better even though they didn’t go to vet school. But this is a good thing… Just think, the day you impress them, you can retire a happy vet!

• The one that NEVER SHOWS UP ON TIME

Self explanatory – you end up booking them the appointment 15 minutes later…

• The one with a “name theme”

That day you’ve got to see Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco…

• The “feeders”

You’ll see these guys every month or three months for weigh-ins… and the pet will never lose weight, trust me.

• And last but by no means least: The couple with the guy who “Just doesn’t think castration is right”

No scientific reasoning, he just doesn’t like the idea.

Now don’t get me wrong there are a thousand more “stereotypical” clients that you will see, but for me, it makes me smile that no two days are the same.

For every consult you spend with one client, the polar opposite is in the waiting room…

And that’s just another cool thing about being a vet!