A weighty decision: Choosing a scale for your veterinary clinic

Going through a remodel? Or just looking to upgrade some outdated equipment around the clinic? If that's the case, one minor change might be weighing a little heavy on you. Picking the right scale for your clinic can be a daunting task-do all the minute variations really make a difference? We've decided to scale it down for you to make the process a little easier.

Photo: Petlift.comPetlift's Walk-on Digital Weigh Scale

Length: 42 inches, width: 22 inches, height: 2 inches

With a 400-lb capacity, this walk-on scale can handle even your burliest of clients. According to Petlift's website, the Walk-on Digital Weigh Scale is ideal for use in clinics, kennels or grooming areas. The removable stainless steel platform makes for easy cleanup, and the lighted, battery-powered display retains weight even after the animal is removed from the scale.

Details: Converts lbs to kgs automatically. Rubber mat, batteries, 8-foot coil cable and wall-mounting bracket are included.

Photo: Shor-LineShor-Line's Blue-Line Scale

Length: 44.5 inches, width: 22.5 inches, Height: 2.75 inches

According to Shor-Line's website, the Blue-Line Scales were manufactured to be “reception area tough” and have been made to stand up to constant use while looking as good as new. The scale features a display with operation keys that can be mounted on the wall or on a post.

Details: Operation keys and display post included. Ten-foot data extensions available. Available in a variety of colors including blue, jade, taupe, gray and black.

Photo: Shor-LineShor-Line's K9-W8 Scale

Length: 44.5 inches, width: 22.5 inches, height: 2.75 inches

The K9-W8 Scale has been designed with load cell technology and a combination of materials that allow for a low-profile scale that can withstand years of wear and tear, according to Shor-Line's website. Like its brother and sister scales, the K9-W8 scale is meant to withstand constant use and look good while doing it.

Details: Operation keys, display post and gray ribbed nonskid mat included. Ten-foot data line extensions available.

Photo: Shor-LineShor-Connect and Remote Display

While this is just an add-on feature, we think it's up-to-scale enough to mention. If your best option is the K9-W8 Scale by Shor-Line, consider the Shor-Connect option. With it you can combine the display and operation keys with your computer or mobile device, viewing the readout and operating the scale from any connected PC or tablet.

Details: Requires a PC or Windows Tablet with USB ports to operate the scale. Requires 200 MB of free space. Multiple scales can be supported based on the number of USB ports the computer has.