The human-animal bond is something that veterinary professionals are privileged to bear witness to on a daily basis. This presentation delves into the pivotal importance of honouring and upholding that bond within the veterinary hospital context and reinforces the indispensable role that pet owners have in shaping compassionate and efficacious veterinary care practices. The session underscores the positive outcomes associated with pet owner presence during critical care and emergency situations within a busy emergency and intensive care unit.

The shifting role of veterinary nurses toward inclusive client care is examined, showcasing their evolution into educators and advocates for animals as well as their guardians. Furthermore, the presentation accentuates the benefits of open hospital practices, fostering transparency and trust between veterinary teams and pet owners. The importance of multidisciplinary collaborative healthcare teams that incorporate pet owners is emphasized. While recognizing challenges, the advantages of this approach in emergency and critical care environments are highlighted, illustrating its potential to transform patient care by merging expertise, insights, and care preferences. The reciprocal advantages for veterinary professionals, encompassing elevated job satisfaction and enriched client relationships, are spotlighted, along with the inherent joy and privilege derived from not only animal, but human connection and caregiving as a veterinary nurse.