A veterinarian examines a dog on a table in a modern veterinary clinic. The room is equipped with medical cabinets, a computer, and surgical lighting, creating a clean and professional environment.

Acoustics in veterinary medicine

Veterinary visits can be stressful for pets. As awareness of animal care grows, clinics are adopting innovative solutions to improve treatment and comfort. The Veterio veterinary clinic addresses the crucial issue of noise in veterinary environments, using sound-absorbing materials to reduce stress and enhance recovery for animals.

VeterSilence: A new remedy helping animals

Veterinary visits are stressful for any pet. As awareness of animal care's importance grows, more veterinary clinics are implementing innovative solutions that transform treatment methods and redefine the experience for animals in their care. In an era where acoustic comfort is becoming essential for recovery, veterinary facilities are tackling noise as part of their commitment to high-quality care.

A modern veterinary clinic interior with a reception desk. A woman stands behind the counter while a man with a dog on a leash stands in front. The space features wooden flooring, ceiling lights, and animal-themed wall art.

A veterinarian wearing a mask and gloves examines a brown dog on a stainless steel table in a modern, white veterinary clinic. Cabinets, medical supplies, and cages are visible in the background.

A notable example is the newly opened 24-hour referral veterinary clinic Veterio, part of the LuxVet group, located on Taśmowa Street in Warsaw. Covering over 2,000 square meters, this facility prioritises the comfort of its patients and staff. High-tech equipment and advanced surgical rooms are seamlessly integrated with a focus on acoustics. Sound-absorbing materials significantly reduce noise levels, a crucial factor for the health and wellbeing of animals.

The role of acoustics in veterinary medicine

Some level of noise in veterinary clinics is inevitable - animal sounds, conversations among pet owners and veterinarians, and the operation of medical equipment can heighten stress levels in four-legged patients. This stress can lead to severe health issues, often more intensely than in humans.

“Stress can impact animals' immune systems, increasing the risk of various illnesses. When animals are exposed to long-term stress, their bodies produce hormones like cortisol, which can weaken their immune response. Weakened immune system makes them more susceptible to infections, and viral or bacterial diseases and can prolong recovery times for hospitalised animals. Therefore, ensuring the psychological and physical wellbeing of animals by minimising stressors in their environment is vital,” says Rafał Boroń, a veterinarian at the newly opened facility.

Monika Sadłowska, an expert in healthcare acoustics from Saint-Gobain Ecophon, notes that even legislation protects animals in veterinary interiors. The applicable regulation states that noise levels in rooms housing animals should not exceed 60 dB¹. Modern clinics are increasingly adopting innovative solutions to meet these standards, creating spaces conducive to recovery.

In veterinary clinics, just as in human hospitals, it’s crucial to create spaces that foster focus and reduce stress.

Monika Sadłowska, Healthcare Concept Developer at Ecophon

Noise: A risk for both animals and staff

Noise affects not only animals but also clinic staff. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians working in noisy environments may experience fatigue and reduced concentration, potentially leading to errors. Acoustic comfort is therefore essential for the wellbeing of patients and the quality of care provided.

“In veterinary clinics, just as in human hospitals, it’s crucial to create spaces that foster focus and reduce stress,” explains Monika Sadłowska. “The acoustic materials used in this project not only reduce noise but also significantly enhance the overall wellbeing and comfort of everyone in these spaces. This undoubtedly impacts the quality of animal care,” she adds.

A modern medical room with large windows, featuring advanced equipment such as an imaging machine, operating table, and monitors. A person in a navy shirt operates a machine, with bright lighting overhead.

A person wearing a mask walks down a clean, well-lit hospital corridor. The hallway is equipped with handwashing sinks and cabinets. There are signs on the doors and a clock on the wall indicating the time.

In surgical rooms, in particular, noise reduction is of paramount importance. Research conducted at Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark² shows that even small improvements in acoustics significantly enhance communication, reduce fatigue, and increase staff satisfaction. Improved speech intelligibility and reduced reverberation lead to quicker and more precise decision-making, which can be critical in emergencies.

Investing in acoustics as a growth strategy

As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, investing in technologies that improve acoustic comfort is transitioning from a trend to a necessity. Contemporary veterinary clinics are drawing from the experiences of human medicine, where acoustics play a pivotal role in designing healthcare spaces.

Proper acoustics not only improve animal comfort but also boost staff efficiency.

Artur Adamiec, Architect of the Veterio clinic

Artur Adamiec, the chief architect of the Veterio clinic, highlights how awareness of acoustic stress is transforming the design of medical facilities.

“Proper acoustics not only improve animal comfort but also boost staff efficiency. Noise reduction is a key component of comfort for both animals and humans in these spaces. For example, waiting areas are especially important,” he adds.

The future of veterinary medicine

The recently opened Veterio clinic demonstrates that prioritising acoustics in veterinary facilities is a step toward a future where animal welfare and staff comfort are paramount. Investing in appropriate acoustic solutions not only enhances care quality but also becomes a competitive advantage. The growing emphasis on acoustics in veterinary medicine heralds a new era in animal care.