In veterinary practice, uniforms do more than make us look good—they reflect how we work, how we move, and how we connect with clients and patients.
One common debate among vet teams is this:
Should we wear the classic white coat or stick to scrub uniforms?
Let’s break it down.
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1. The White Coat: Iconic, But Impractical for Many
The white coat has long been a symbol of the medical profession. It carries a sense of authority and formality.
But in the veterinary setting, it often doesn’t survive the first 10 minutes.
- Mainit (too hot), especially in tropical climates or clinics without strong air conditioning
- Dumihin – it picks up fur, blood, drool, and other fluids quickly
- It restricts movement during handling, surgeries, or emergencies
- It’s dry-clean only in many cases—making it more high-maintenance than most staff
Yes, it looks polished during speaking engagements or public appearances, but in daily clinical life?
It’s often more hassle than help.
2. Scrubs: The Practical Uniform of Today’s Vets
Scrub uniforms are designed for the realities of veterinary work.
- Comfortable and breathable for long shifts
- Easy to wash and sanitize after messy procedures
- Allows freedom of movement during handling or surgery
- More approachable look for clients, especially in general practice
Many modern practices prefer scrubs as the daily uniform—sometimes color-coded for roles (e.g., vets in navy, techs in green, reception in grey), giving both identity and professionalism.
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3. What Actually Matters to Clients?
Some might argue that clients respect white coats more. But in most clinics today, clients value:
- Clear communication
- Clean, organized appearance
- Confidence and compassion from the vet
- Safety and hygiene
A vet in clean scrubs explaining diagnostics calmly and confidently wins more trust than someone wearing a lab coat but unsure of what they’re doing.
4. A Practical Example: What Some Clinics Do
Some established clinics (like Greenwoods Pet Hospital, for example) have completely phased out white coats after realizing they’re hot, stain-prone, and inefficient for their high-volume setup.
They opted for scrubs only and saw no decline in professionalism—only more comfort, faster workflow, and fewer laundry issues.
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Conclusion: Dress for the Work You Actually Do
If you’re working long hours, restraining animals, dealing with fluids, or handling emergencies—scrubs make the most sense.
If you’re doing a public talk, media appearance, or want to wear something symbolic during wellness consults, a clean white coat over scrubs might work occasionally.
But the bottom line?
The best uniform is the one that lets you do your job effectively, comfortably, and hygienically—without sacrificing professionalism.
Sharing this helps others understand what it really means to be a vet. Like and follow if you’re with us.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
