Unfortunately, this is not the way the situation typically evolves, so the veterinary team and client are sometimes engaged in an almost adversarial relationship in trying to determine how best to deal with the current situation. It is a much more positive relationship when the veterinary team acts as the client advocate, but for that to happen, such teams need to assume a much more proactive role in the acquisition of pets (see 5.7 Preadoption Counseling).
Preselection counseling is not only medically relevant, but it also makes good business sense. In the United States, more dogs and cats are euthanized for behavioral reasons than for all medical causes combined [2]. Accordingly, helping prospective pet owners understand the ramifications of pet ownership before they actually take on the responsibility of pet ownership is in everyone's best interest.
Mrs Stewart came to visit ABC Veterinary Hospital after hearing from a friend that the hospital offered preadoption counseling. She and her husband had a 4‐year‐old child, and they were thinking of getting a Siberian husky (they had seen a cute puppy of this breed in the pet store, but resisted the temptation to buy it at that time). From the selection counseling session, it was determined that the Stewarts lived in a two‐bedroom apartment, both adults worked long hours, and their
