How Can Humor Increase the Veterinarian-Client Bond?

Ray Ramirez, DVM, owner and speaker of Ramirezdvm.com, explains how humor can help create a bond between a veterinarian and their client.

Interview Transcript (slightly modified for readability)

“Humor, in general, comes from three basic areas: What is the exaggeration of this? What is the absurd part of this? And, who is offended by this? [For example], one of the things that I like to use is when you have a new puppy. Everyone knows that new puppies are cute. Our staff just fawn all over them. And so, one of the things I will do is I will come into the room and I will tell the client, ‘Now my receptionist said there was an ugly puppy in here, [but] I do not believe that, let me see this puppy.’ The client laughs for several reasons: First of all, they know the receptionist never said that because the receptionist [just put them] in the room, loving on the puppy, because all puppies are cute. [The client] realizes that was the exact opposite. That is the overreaching of the absurdity of it, which is a simple thing that all of us can do. It helps with [bonding] because they realize, they love my puppy, too.

It's really [helps with] that bonding experience. And, the puppy comes over to you and you play with them. Again, it helps to reinforce that we [the veterinary staff] love that you [the client] are here [and] we love your puppy and everyone loves that.”