In a veterinary clinic the goal is for it not to smell of animals or disinfectant, not for it to smell of perfume. Neutralise in the waiting room, corridors and kennel area, at low intensity and with quiet devices out of the animals' reach. In consulting rooms, the operating theatre and hospitalisation, nothing or almost nothing.
A veterinary clinic has a particularity no other sector shares: half of your visitors have a far more sensitive sense of smell than yours. What seems soft to you is intense for a dog.
The main rule: neutralise, don't perfume
In this setting the goal is for the waiting room not to smell of animals or disinfectant, not for it to smell of something. A well-adjusted neutraliser works on the bad odour without adding a new layer of fragrance the animal has to process.
Animal odour comes mainly from fatty acids and amines that cling to textiles and surfaces. We explain it in fatty acids and amines: the science behind pet odour.
Which neutraliser for each source
| Source | Neutraliser |
|---|---|
| Animal odour, damp | Aloe Vera |
| Waste, bins, drains | Jasmine |
| Faeces, urine, toilets | Cotton Fresh |
Zones
- Reception and waiting room. Neutraliser in short cycles, low intensity.
- Corridors. The same, very soft.
- Consulting rooms and operating theatre. Nothing. Clinical protocol comes first.
- Hospitalisation. Nothing or only very soft neutralisation, always at the vet's discretion.
- Waste and kennel area. Neutraliser, as this is where the real source is.
- Dog grooming, if there is one. Neutraliser during service hours.
Why it pays to keep it low
An animal that arrives stressed at the clinic and finds an atmosphere loaded with unfamiliar smells has a harder time. In addition, for the vet, the sense of smell is a diagnostic tool: a heavily perfumed environment takes it away.
That is why intensity is kept to a minimum here and any intense, sweet or very spicy profile is avoided. If you want a touch of fragrance in reception for people, make it very light (Green Tea, for example) and away from where the animals wait.
What to solve first
- How often waste bins are emptied.
- Ventilation of the kennel area.
- Drain traps in the cleaning area.
- Textiles and blankets: frequent washing or replacement.
With those four points solved, the device does its job without strain.
Schedules
Programme the device to start half an hour before opening and stop at closing. During the day, short cycles with long pauses: the idea is for the neutraliser to act constantly without building up. If there are busier hours (first thing in the morning, afternoon), you can raise the intensity one step during those times and lower it for the rest of the day.
Which device
Compact, quiet devices, placed up high and out of the animals' reach. Noise matters: a device that makes an audible pulse every few seconds can unsettle an already nervous animal. The BENDIS SENSE is the quietest in the range (30 dB or less) and covers up to 80 m², enough for most waiting rooms. For the kennel area or a small toilet, the PULSE runs on batteries with no cables.
You can compare levels and coverage in the diffuser catalogue. If you prefer not to buy, the scenting subscription includes device and neutraliser every month from €29.90 + VAT, with no minimum term. More information in scenting for veterinary clinics.
Tell us the square metres of your waiting room and kennel area at info@bendis.es and we will suggest the most discreet setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a neutraliser with animals in the room?
At low intensity, with the device up high and good ventilation, it is standard practice in this type of centre. If an animal shows discomfort, lower the intensity or switch it off during that time.
What do I do about the smell in the kennel area?
Frequent cleaning, ventilation and a neutraliser such as Aloe Vera running continuously in that area. That is where the main source is.
Can I use fragrance in the waiting room?
Better to neutralise. If you want some fragrance, make it very light and only in the reception area for people.
