Parking considerations for optimal client and staff experience

Photos courtesy of BDA Architects

When designing a veterinary hospital, there are many important factors to think about. In this author’s experience, parking is not typically among the first ones that come to mind for many veterinarians. The building itself often takes center stage, which is understandable. When you have treatment designs and surgery room layouts to think about, parking can easily become an afterthought.

But consider this: Your parking lot is often the very first impression of your veterinary hospital for a client. The appearance and functionality are the first things people see and perceive upon arrival. Proper planning and designing of your parking area can enhance client experience, improve staff efficiency, and increase operations of your facility. The following factors are essential to ensure the parking areas are well designed and functional for both clients and staff.

1. Number of parking spaces

Parking requirements are often dictated by local zoning regulations, which specify the minimum number of parking spaces that are required for the facility based on square footage and type of business. Although these regulations serve as a baseline, they may not always reflect the actual needs of your veterinary hospital.

As you go through the hospital design process, consider how many parking spaces would be ideal for your practice. Think about client parking and staff parking separately. For clients, how many spaces are needed to comfortably accommodate your clientele? Think about your average client volume, peak hours, and whether the hospital will offer urgent care or emergency services. For staff, how many people are on shift at one time? Are there overlaps of shifts? Remember to consider today’s needs as well as future growth.

Site constraints can also affect number of parking spaces. If parking demand exceeds available space, you may need to adjust the building design by either reducing the size of the hospital or opting for a multistory structure, which isn’t always ideal but is sometimes necessary. Stormwater regulations including retention and detention requirements may also limit your parking area and must be considered in the design.

2. Emergency parking

In emergency veterinary hospital design, quick and efficient animal admission is crucial. Emergency parking should be located as close as possible to the entrance, allowing clients to quickly unload and admit their pets into the care of the medical team.

Emergency parking can be a pull-over area near the front door with a passing lane adjacent, or it can simply be a designated parking spot or spots near the front entrance with clear signage indicating it is reserved for emergency use. These spots can be covered or noncovered. A common covered option is to incorporate a porte cochere, a covered pull-through area often seen at hotel entrances. Advantages to a porte cochere for emergency facilities include protection from inclement weather and an architectural feature that helps highlight the emergency entrance.

By having designated emergency parking near the front entrance, staff are more likely to see emergency cases as they arrive. Some clients may need help unloading large or distressed animals in need of urgent care and if staff can see them arrive they can quickly respond as needed.

3. Separation of staff vs client parking

When possible, it is beneficial to separate client and staff parking. This ensures that clients, who have the added obstacle of handling pets when entering and exiting your facility, do not have to walk long distances to get to the entrance.

If your hospital has distinct entrances for clients and staff, and if the site has space available, it makes sense to position parking near the respective entrance. For instance, if the staff entrance is on the side of your hospital, you could place a row or rows of parking along the side or back for staff that is separate from the front parking, which could be reserved for clients. This helps alleviate traffic congestion and provides convenience for both groups.

Another added benefit of separate parking for staff is the ability to fence it off or securely enclose it from public access. This is especially appreciated at 24-hour facilities where staff often park their vehicles overnight while working. Small considerations like this can go a long way in recruiting and retaining staff, as security-conscious employees will feel more comfortable knowing their cars are safe.

4. Covered and EV parking

As veterinary hospitals continue to evolve, covered parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming increasingly desired features in parking lot designs. Covered parking offers the dual benefit of providing shade and protection from the elements, which not only enhances the comfort of clients and staff parking their vehicles but also helps preserve the condition of their cars. For clients bringing in pets, especially in harsh weather, covered parking can make a significant difference in easing the process of getting pets in and out of the vehicle.

With the growing adoption of EVs, it is becoming essential for veterinary hospitals to consider incorporating charging stations in their parking areas. In fact, some municipalities have begun requiring a certain number of EV charging stations in new commercial developments, so integrating them into your parking design can help future-proof your facility and appeal to a broader range of clients.

Although covered parking and EV stations can come with higher up-front costs, many veterinarians are opting to include them in only a small portion of their parking spaces, balancing initial investment with long-term value. If these features are out of budget, it may be worth planning for their inclusion in the future as your infrastructure allows, ensuring that your practice stays relevant and responsive to changing client needs.

5. Waiting room parking

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses, including veterinary hospitals, introduced the concept of parking lot waiting. Clients often park in designated spots and wait in their cars until it is time for their pet’s exam. Traditional waiting rooms can sometimes be uncomfortable environments for pets and owners. The coming and going of unfamiliar smells, sounds, people, and other animals can cause stress and anxiety. Parking lots give clients the option to choose a more private, comfortable, and familiar environment for their waiting experience, which in turn may help reduce anxiety and improve the overall client experience.

If your hospital offers parking lot waiting, make sure to designate specific spaces for this purpose. Give your clients clear instructions with steps to follow upon arrival to ensure a smooth check-in process. These waiting spots should be close to the entrance for easy access when it’s time to bring the pet in for an appointment.

Similar to the interior of your hospital’s waiting area, the parking lot environment should be designed for comfort and aesthetics. Consider positioning waiting spots near landscaping features such as gardens, fountains, or attractive murals. Give them something pleasing to look at while they wait.

6. Parking lot landscaping

Finally, don’t forget landscaping. A welcoming, well-designed landscape can make all the difference, transforming a mundane concrete or asphalt expanse into a warm, inviting space. By incorporating thoughtful landscaping elements, you can soften the space and create an environment that reflects the care and attention your practice gives to both pets and people.

Trees are one of the most effective ways to improve the look of your parking lot. Not only do they provide much-needed shade for parked vehicles but they also add visual interest with height variations, and if they are deciduous, their natural color changes with the seasons can bring a sense of tranquility. Flowers are another way to add pops of color and vibrancy, drawing attention to your facility. Additionally, integrating native plants or local vegetation can further connect your practice to the community and offer environmentally sustainable solutions.

Adding a designated dog relief area near the parking lot can also greatly enhance the client experience and may even help reduce unwanted marking behavior on your other landscape areas. Many dog owners will appreciate having a convenient and accessible spot for their pets to relieve themselves before entering the building, especially if they’ve traveled a distance to get there.

Takeaways

Thoughtful parking design is a critical component of a successful veterinary hospital. By considering the number of spaces, emergency access, staff-client separation, evolving and innovative needs, and the aesthetic quality of your parking area, you can create an efficient, comfortable, and welcoming environment for both clients and staff. The right design not only improves functionality but also contributes to the overall experience, ensuring that pets receive the best care and owners feel supported and valued.