Cats to the right, dogs to the left

We were tasked with bringing a new layer of strategy to DWR Veterinary Specialists’ multi-disciplinary veterinary referral centre in Cambridgeshire. The facility by Linnaeus Group, which will be one of the largest centres in Europe, has been designed with a simple framework to ease navigation; a central passageway feeds all spaces, with glazed windows providing views to the outside at the end of all secondary corridors. 

To minimise stress for the animals and their owners, cats and dogs were separated upon arrival - cats to the right, dogs to the left! Using research and insights from animal behaviour scientists we established a strict set of rules to follow when planning the waiting areas - including adjoining outdoor space, small clusters of outward-facing seating and undercut benches providing nooks for animals.

The state-of-the-art centre also features first-class facilities for veterinary professionals, with a workspace, a lecture room, a café, a well-being area and an outdoor dining terrace. Our designs are now the guidelines which are being implemented across the country, with the second DWR facility opening in Newmarket.