Vets for Pets in Alsager, has been named the UK's first-ever autism friendly vet practice. 

After undergoing specialist training from the National Autism Society, the practice is now able to provide a supportive environment, tailored to the needs of people who are neurodivergent. 

As a result of the training, the Lawton Road practice has made a number of adjustments to enable an approach tailored towards the needs of different clients. 

The building is also designed with a private consultation room to ensure clients with autism have a positive and inclusive experience without over stimulation. 

Alsager Vets for Pets is the first veterinary practice in the UK to receive the National Autism Friendly Award. 

Veterinary Nurse and Practice Owner, Carl May, who was only recently diagnosed with ADHD himself, was inspired to undertake the training following a conversation with one of his clients whose child was autistic. 

While waiting in reception, the client was becoming visibly stressed from the attention others were giving her and her son and mentioned how challenging they found it coming to the practice. 

It was at that moment Carl recognised there was a risk that pets may have not been treated as regularly as they should if pet owners affected by autism were reluctant to attend appointments. 

Carl said: "The positive role pets can play in helping to support autistic people and their families is well documented and research shows neurodivergent people can be more dependent on their pet than a neurotypical person. 

"As with any pet, ensuring they are happy and healthy is vital, so I wanted to give the same attention to people with autism and ensure they feel comfortable coming to our practice, so their pet can access the right care and treatment. 

"Even before my own ADHD diagnosis I was becoming increasingly aware of clients who were struggling with appointments due to their autism. 

"I am so proud my practice has been officially recognised as autism friendly and I hope our neurodivergent clients are feeling the benefit, now that our team is better equipped to deal with situations which might cause them additional stress. 

"The training has changed my perspective on situations and made me think about why somebody might be acting in a certain manner and educated me on the simple things we can all do to make someone's life that little bit easier to ultimately ensure that all pets receive the veterinary care they need. 

"I hope what we have achieved here has set a great example and will inspire other practices to do the same." 

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Vets for Pets Alsager that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Alsager and across the UK.   

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