5 DIY Ways to Redesign Your Exam Rooms for a Better Client Experience
A veterinary exam room should feel welcoming, calm, and professional—not cold and clinical. The right environment can reduce pet anxiety, improve client comfort, and enhance the overall experience. The best part? You don’t need a massive budget to make meaningful changes.
Here are five simple, budget-friendly ways to upgrade your exam rooms and create a more inviting space for pets and their owners.
1. Create a Calming Atmosphere with Paint & Wall Art
A fresh coat of paint can make a space feel instantly more inviting. Soft, neutral tones like light blue, sage green, or warm gray promote a sense of calm for both pets and owners.
DIY Upgrades:
Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to add personality without a long-term commitment.
Hang pet-friendly wall art featuring cute animal portraits, nature scenes, or educational infographics.
Install a chalkboard or whiteboard wall to display fun pet facts, wellness tips, or personalized messages for clients.
Estimated Cost: $40-$80
2. Upgrade Seating for Comfort & Style
Most veterinary exam rooms have standard plastic or metal chairs, but swapping them out for cushioned, easy-to-clean seating can make a big difference for anxious clients and their pets.
DIY Upgrades:
Reupholster existing chairs with pet-friendly, wipeable fabric.
Thrift a stylish chair from Facebook Marketplace or a secondhand store for a unique touch.
Estimated Cost: $30-$60
3. Add a "Stress-Free" Touch with Soft Textiles
Cold, slippery exam tables can make pets feel uneasy. Adding a non-slip surface or a cozy element can help them feel more secure.
DIY Upgrades:
Keep a basket of soft towels for clients to place under their pets.
Add a small pet bed or cushion for senior dogs or nervous cats.
Estimated Cost: $10-$30
4. Improve Lighting for a More Welcoming Feel
Harsh fluorescent lighting can make an exam room feel sterile and uninviting. Warmer, softer lighting creates a more relaxed environment.
DIY Upgrades:
Switch to LED warm bulbs for a softer, more natural look.
Add a small dimmable lamp to create a cozy atmosphere.
Let in natural light by using sheer curtains instead of heavy blinds.
Estimated Cost: $15-$50
5. Personalize the Space with Client & Pet-Friendly Touches
A few thoughtful details can make a space feel less transactional and more welcoming. Clients appreciate small, personal touches that show you care.
DIY Upgrades:
Create a "Patient of the Month" wall featuring adorable pet photos.
Set up a "Welcome Board" where client and pet names are displayed each day.
Offer a small treat station with pet-safe biscuits or free samples.
Estimated Cost: $10-$40
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
By refreshing the walls, upgrading seating, adding soft textiles, improving lighting, and personalizing the space, you can create a more welcoming and stress-free environment for clients and pets alike. These simple, affordable changes can transform your exam rooms into a space that feels warm, inviting, and client-focused—all without breaking the bank.
