I have been working as a vet in Dorchester for over 20 years now and in those years I have come to know wonderful clients and their pets.

I have shared the highs and lows of pet ownership and healthcare and have seen owners show every emotion possible – from joy to grief – I have seen it all.

During the bad days of lockdown, we had to see clients outside the building and then latterly protect both our clients and our staff using masks. Through all these challenges the vast majority of our clients have been understanding and helpful. But of late I have seen more stress creeping into situations – particularly for our poor, incredibly hardworking receptionists. Being a veterinary receptionist is not easy – you are constantly multi-tasking and often dealing with clients who are themselves stressed and worried.

Sadly, what we have seen in the post-Covid era is an increase in people treating our receptionists in an unpleasant manner. I gather we are not alone – everywhere I go I seem to see workplaces putting up notices asking customers not to abuse staff.

I am worried by the fact that, for the first time ever, I have felt compelled to write about this in one of my articles. Like all vet practices, we are busy and not everyone can be seen straight away; receptionists are the ones that must convey this to clients, but they should never receive abuse for this. Nor should they be abused for the fact that veterinary care costs money – this has always been the case. There is no NHS for pets but that is not the receptionists’ fault.

So, this week I ask everyone to draw breath, treat these hardworking people with respect – do not let the legacy of Covid be a loss of kindness.

Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083