12/01/2025
Why Hearing “We Weren’t Able To…” From Your Veterinarian Is Actually a Green Flag
Veterinarians, assitants & groomers care deeply about your pets, and part of that care is being honest about what happens in the clinic. When we say, “We weren’t able to…”, it’s not a sign of failure—it’s a reflection of our commitment to transparency, learning, clear communication, and genuine care for your pet.
Here’s why this phrase is actually a green flag, with examples from real-life clinic situations:
1️⃣ Honesty and Transparency
We want to keep you informed, even when things don’t go as expected.
Example:
“We weren’t able to get a clear ultrasound image of your pet’s abdomen because they were too anxious to stay still during the procedure.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: Instead of giving you incomplete or inaccurate results, your vet is upfront about the challenge and may suggest other alternative diagnostic tools to get accurate results.
2️⃣ Commitment to Learning and Improvement
Acknowledging limitations shows that we’re always striving to do better.
Example:
“We weren’t able to diagnose the exact cause of your pet’s persistent and/progressive paralysis after the initial tests, but we are consulting with a specialist for further insights.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: This shows your vet recognizes the complexity of the case and values collaboration and continuous learning to provide the best care for your pet.
3️⃣ Clear Communication
Being honest about what couldn’t be done ensures you’re fully informed.
Example:
“We weren’t able to remove all the tartar during your dog’s dental cleaning because of the condition of their teeth, but here’s what we’ll do during the next session.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: Your vet is being transparent about the treatment process, helping you set realistic expectations while prioritizing your pet’s comfort and safety.
4️⃣ Genuine Care for Your Pet
Sometimes, outcomes are beyond our control, but we always prioritize what’s best for your pet.
Example:
“We weren’t able to save your cat’s eye due to the extent of the infection, but the enucleation surgery went well, and they are on their way to a pain-free recovery.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: Your vet’s focus on your pet’s well-being and quality of life demonstrates their compassion and dedication to providing the best possible outcome, even in difficult situations.
5️⃣ Knowing When to Refer for Specialized Care
There are times when the best option for your pet is to refer them to a specialist for further treatment.
Example:
A client brought in their dog with a bone lodged in the esophagus. We examined the dog and determined that trying to remove the bone ourselves could cause serious damage to the esophagus, so we suggested referring the pet to a specialist. The client later visited another vet, who successfully removed the bone. However, the client expressed frustration, saying, “You didn’t know what you were doing.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: Our decision to refer was based on the potential risks of trying to perform the procedure ourselves. While the other vet was able to successfully remove the bone, our priority was to ensure the dog’s safety by making the right decision, even if that meant referring them for specialized care.
6️⃣ Being Honest in Grooming Situations
As groomers, we always aim to provide a great grooming experience, but sometimes a certain style might not be suitable for your pet’s condition.
Example:
“We weren’t able to give Coco a bear cut today due to the deep tangles in his coat. Detangling could cause him unnecessary stress, but we can suggest a different cut that’s more suitable for his condition.”
🐾 Why this is a green flag: Rather than forcing a grooming style that could cause discomfort or stress, we are honest about what’s best for Coco’s well-being and offer alternative options that are more appropriate for his coat condition.
Why This Matters to You
Hearing “We weren’t able to…” might feel discouraging at first, but it’s actually a sign of a trustworthy veterinarian who prioritizes honesty, continuous learning, and your pet’s well-being above all else.
Your pet deserves the best care, and we are here to provide it—with transparency and integrity every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting us with their health! 🐾
