Banfield, The Pet Hospital discontinues tail dock, ear crop and devocalization procedures
PORTLAND, Ore. – July 27, 2009 – Banfield, The Pet Hospital®, a leading veterinary practice known for its focus on preventive care and experienced-based medicine, is no longer offering cosmetic tail docking or ear cropping procedures in its hospitals. Devocalization has also been discontinued. These decisions were made with the overall health and wellness of Pets in mind. The change in medical protocol was approved through Banfield’s Medical Standards Board, an internal panel of experienced veterinarians responsible for evaluating all medical standards and procedures.
“After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the Pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” said Karen Faunt, DVM, MS, DACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield, The Pet Hospital. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether.”
Historically, tail docking and ear cropping were typically performed according to breed standards. However, there is little scientific evidence that these cosmetic procedures benefit dogs. Banfield’s purpose in establishing the new tail dock, ear crop protocol reinforces its commitment to providing the highest quality of Pet care.
“Banfield’s approach to veterinary medicine focuses on procedures and services that are proven to benefit the health and wellness of a Pet,” said Karen Johnson, DVM, vice president and client advocate for Banfield. “While we do not support unnecessary cosmetic procedures, we will continue to perform tail amputations and ear surgeries for our patients as deemed medically necessary.”
In 2008, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strengthened their policy reinforcing its belief that tail docking and ear cropping should only be performed for therapeutic or preventive care purposes. In keeping with the direction of the profession, Banfield hopes the number of cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping surgeries will greatly diminish industry-wide as will the demand for such procedures.
About Banfield, The Pet Hospital
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield has become the largest Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 730 hospitals in neighborhoods across the U.S. More than 2,000 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving Pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive, medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care plans, extended operating hours, and is the only veterinary practice in the world with an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of Pets each year through their Optimum Wellness Plans. For journalists seeking more information, please visit our press room at http://www.banfield.net/press-room or contact our Media Hotline at 888-355-0595 (no sales calls, please).
“After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the Pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” said Karen Faunt, DVM, MS, DACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield, The Pet Hospital. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether.”
Historically, tail docking and ear cropping were typically performed according to breed standards. However, there is little scientific evidence that these cosmetic procedures benefit dogs. Banfield’s purpose in establishing the new tail dock, ear crop protocol reinforces its commitment to providing the highest quality of Pet care.
“Banfield’s approach to veterinary medicine focuses on procedures and services that are proven to benefit the health and wellness of a Pet,” said Karen Johnson, DVM, vice president and client advocate for Banfield. “While we do not support unnecessary cosmetic procedures, we will continue to perform tail amputations and ear surgeries for our patients as deemed medically necessary.”
In 2008, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strengthened their policy reinforcing its belief that tail docking and ear cropping should only be performed for therapeutic or preventive care purposes. In keeping with the direction of the profession, Banfield hopes the number of cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping surgeries will greatly diminish industry-wide as will the demand for such procedures.
About Banfield, The Pet Hospital
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield has become the largest Pet general veterinary practice in the world, with more than 730 hospitals in neighborhoods across the U.S. More than 2,000 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving Pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive, medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care plans, extended operating hours, and is the only veterinary practice in the world with an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of millions of Pets each year through their Optimum Wellness Plans. For journalists seeking more information, please visit our press room at http://www.banfield.net/press-room or contact our Media Hotline at 888-355-0595 (no sales calls, please).
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