The consulting room should be well stocked with stationery. Here is a checklist:

• Consent forms giving permission for the veterinary surgeon to undertake a surgical procedure on the pet concerned.
   
• Consent forms giving permission to euthanase a pet (the form should also include details of how the body is to be dealt with).
   
• Condolence cards to send to bereaved pet owners.
   
• Vaccination certificates (for cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits).
   
• Tablet envelopes for foil wrapped tablets (loose tablets are always dispensed in child-proof bottles).
   
• Note paper.
   
• Pens, pencils and markers.
   
• Business cards.
   
• Appointment cards.
   
• Practice brochures/price tariff.
   
• Label printer - Dispensing is made easier with the use of a label printer. The client details (name and address), date, animal's name, name and quantity of the drug and dosage instructions are all clearly displayed at the touch of a button. Make sure you know how to change the label roll and fit a new ink cartridge. Vets will often come steaming out demanding to know why their label printer isn't functioning - the printer must be "on line" to be able to work and the usual problem is that someone has inadvertently set it to "off line".