The term “triage” might evoke images of emergency rooms and first responders, but its importance extends seamlessly to the world of veterinary medicine. Importantly, veterinary patient triage is fundamental to ensuring the health and well-being of our furry, feathered, and scaled veterinary patients.

One of the primary functions of patient triage is the rapid identification of critical cases – to quickly assess and prioritize cases based on the severity of the condition, ensuring that immediate attention is given to those in urgent need.

…And while you may think… sure… triage is performed by veterinarians that are medically trained – we know that’s not always the case! In fact, in the world of veterinary care, the unsung heroes often work at the front desk. Veterinary receptionists, client service representatives (CSR), client service coordinator (CSC), technician assistants, and others who perform triage in the veterinary setting play a pivotal role in the overall well-being of our veterinary patients,  acting as the first point of contact and gatekeepers of the hospital. One of their critical responsibilities is implementing a “Patients First” triage system.

As such, we have helped create a helpful downloadable resource to support our receptionist / CSR /CSC/ hospital heroes ensuring that those in urgent need receive immediate attention!

BluePearl VETgirl Triage card

Remember, veterinary patient triage is more than just a protocol; it’s a compassionate and efficient approach to caring for our beloved veterinary patients to also make sure that pet owners are well cared for. By swiftly identifying critical cases, optimizing resources, and streamlining workflow, triage not only ensures the best possible outcomes for individual patients but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of veterinary care.

Download our free stat triage guide HERE!

Dr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC
Co-Founder, Director of Operations, VETgirl

  1. Thank you so much! This will come in handy for the specialty CSCs that are learning more about emergency medicine

  2. What a great resource for training staff. One of the hardest things for some staff members is when to know if the patient should come right away or they can wait a few hours or a day or so. Thank you so much!

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