Viewing Communication Through Another's Lens: Which Communication Skills Do Canine and Feline Caregivers Prioritize?

This chapter is the first of four in this textbook to explore communication preferences of veterinary clients. Drawing upon the veterinary literature, this chapter identifies and explores in greater depth those communication skills that canine and feline caregivers desire when engaging with veterinary team members. The acronym TONERR is introduced as it relates to foundational communication skills in the author's evolving professional skills curriculum. These skills are then applied to cost of care conversations as well as interactions with canine and feline breeders to help veterinary professionals identify, clarify, and assign value to what dialogic components maintain and strengthen the veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR).