Concise Textbook of Small Animal Handling

Safe animal handling is a foundation of training for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. With the popularity of various low stress training and certifications for veterinary staff it is always important to stay abreast of the latest in animal restraint. This handbook is an easy to use and practical guide for various species. I particularly found the exotic companion mammal, bird, and reptile sections of great interest. The artwork in the handbook adds to the text’s descriptions so readers are not left self-interpreting how the technique should be performed. I appreciate the author’s attention to not only human safety but also the welfare of the animals undergoing restraint.

I think this handbook would serve any veterinary professional or clinic well. I also think it is a great substitute for the larger animal restraint texts available as the conciseness highlights the material readers are often looking for.

Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM, Stanford University, USA

Safe animal handling is a foundation of training for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. With the popularity of various low stress training and certifications for veterinary staff it is always important to stay abreast of the latest in animal restraint. This handbook is an easy to use and practical guide for various species. I particularly found the exotic companion mammal, bird, and reptile sections of great interest. The artwork in the handbook adds to the text’s descriptions so readers are not left self-interpreting how the technique should be performed. I appreciate the author’s attention to not only human safety but also the welfare of the animals undergoing restraint.

I think this handbook would serve any veterinary professional or clinic well. I also think it is a great substitute for the larger animal restraint texts available as the conciseness highlights the material readers are often looking for.

Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS-LAM, Stanford University, USA

This is an excellent textbook - I would even go to say an essential textbook for anyone interested or going into the animal care industry or interested in studying any animal management/welfare course. I have recommended this text to our librarian and undergraduates on the BSc degree course. The book is suitably designed outlining the handling and restraint methods that can be used along with suitable illustrations / photographs of the techniques. Pros and cons as well as considerations for animal and human welfare / safety are nicely described.

Catheryn Hancock BVetMed MSc DWEL certAVP PGcertEd PGcertVA MRCVS

C.B. Chastain is a professor emeritus and adjunct professor of veterinary medicine and former Section Head of Small Animal Medicine and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Missouri. He has also been on faculty at Iowa State University and Louisiana State University. In addition to being a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, he has authored journal articles, book chapters in veterinary medical and allied publications, and textbooks on clinical endocrinology and animal handling and physical restraint. He was also chief editor of the monthly journal, Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery for 20 years. Prior to entering academic veterinary medicine, he was a horse wrangler for a horseback riding stable and a licensed guide in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; worked in mixed animal veterinary medical practices in Missouri, Illinois, and New Mexico; and a captain in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. He has handled, restrained, and trained a variety of animals in differing environments and taught aspects of animal handling for more than 40 years at the undergraduate and professional school levels. Currently, he is a professor and consultant for Veterinary Online Programs at the University of Missouri.