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132 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 8.20 Cat in carrier transfer by lift to kennel.
FIGURE 8.22 Carrying cat or small dog properly.

To carry a small patient properly, slide your non‐domi-
nant hand under its chest coming out between the front
legs using your fingers to grasp the front legs
(Figure 8.22).

Reflection

Can you think of other ways that cats and ferrets
could be removed from a carrier? What treats or
tricks could you come up with?

Use an elbow to pin their body against your side. The
other hand slips the leash over the head and, holding
onto the loop, cradle the head under the jaw with that
FIGURE 8.21 Cat in carrier transfer with towel to kennel.
hand. This allows you to let go of the head to open doors
but hang onto the leash in case the animal should try to
If the cat or ferret won’t step out, take the lid off the escape. Toss a treat into the kennel and place the animal
carrier and lift with both hands one over each shoulder into the kennel, facing the treat, then remove the leash.
and quickly move it into the kennel (Figure 8.20). If the Put an ID collar on the pet and cage card on the kennel.
patient should be upset, use a large, thick towel to cover Give them water, unless told not to because of an
it completely and then scoop it up as if it is the contents upcoming procedure, which in that case the cage card is
of an upside‐down taco and into the kennel (Figure 8.21). marked to reflect that procedure. If the first treat was
Offering a few chewy treats after such egregious handling accepted, another treat can be offered to take the sting
may be appreciated. Replace the lid to the carrier and out of being placed into a kennel, if not leave it in case
return it to the owner. Then return promptly to the the patient is a shy eater. Adding a towel or blanket from
patient to place cage card and ID collar on the patient, home or a piece of the owner’s clothing will also help the
respectively. Remember to snip off the excess ID collar patient settle down. Double check that the kennel or run
after it is fitted around the neck. door is securely latched.
If a cat, ferret, or small dog is carried into the clinic Medium‐sized dogs are placed in the floor level ken-
you will most likely be handing the pet. It doesn’t hurt to nels and large dogs are put in runs. Avoid lifting these
put the slip leash around the animal’ neck. It is another sized dogs if possible. Walk the dog up to the door of the
security step if the animal should leap from your arms. kennel, toss in a couple treats and tell them to “kennel.”