What You Need to Know About Veterinary Wet Tables
Choosing the Best Wet Table for Your Vet Clinic
When outfitting your veterinary hospital, it’s easy to focus on big-ticket items like X-ray machines or surgical lighting. Still, one of the most versatile workhorses in your treatment area might be the wet table.
Whether you’re performing dentals, prepping for surgery, or managing messy wound care cases, a high-quality wet table can dramatically improve efficiency and sanitation.
If you’re planning a new hospital or updating your treatment space, here’s what you need to know about choosing the right veterinary wet table for your practice.
Why Do Wet Tables Matter?
Unlike a standard flat-top table, wet tables are designed to handle water, fluids, and debris during procedures. Think dental cleanings, wound irrigation, abscess flushes, or even messy dermatology cases.
Instead of creating a cleanup headache, everything flows straight into a drain, keeping the treatment area safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Common Uses for Wet Tables include:
Dental cleanings and extractions
Wound care and flushing
Surgical prep (clipping, scrubbing)
Emergency triage (e.g., vomiting, trauma, or toxin exposure)
Post-op recovery and patient bathing (with optional faucet or sprayer attachments)
Imagine you have a Golden Retriever visit after a run-in with a porcupine - ouch! Your team uses the wet table to flush wounds, sedate and remove quills, and clean up—all without needing to transfer the patient to different surfaces. That’s workflow efficiency and patient comfort all in one.
Choosing the Right Size and Setup
Veterinary wet tables come in various sizes and configurations, so consider your caseload and available space carefully.
Most standard models are 60 to 72 inches long, which is perfect for medium to large dog breeds. If you primarily treat small animals or exotics, a smaller footprint may better suit your needs.
Installation Tip: Place your wet table in a central treatment area near dental X-ray systems, anesthesia machines, and surgical prep tools. Many hospitals find that locating it between the surgical suite and the main treatment floor maximizes efficiency.
Key Features to Look For
Plumbing Requirements: Make sure your space has the proper drainage, water hookups, and access for maintenance. Consult with your contractor or plumber early to avoid costly modifications later.
Workflow Integration: Consider how the wet table fits into your daily routines. Will it be used for dentals, pre-op, or wound care? Its location should minimize patient transfers and reduce bottlenecks in high-traffic areas.
Durability and Warranty: This table will see daily wear and tear. Look for tables with strong warranties, high-quality welds, and materials that resist rust.
Ergonomics for Staff: Adjustable-height models can help reduce technician fatigue and injury, especially during lengthy dental or wound management procedures.
Future Expansion: Select a model that can scale with your hospital's needs. Some wet tables are designed to accommodate add-ons, such as anesthesia arms, dental delivery systems, or storage cabinetry.
These considerations help ensure your investment meets both immediate clinical needs and long-term practice goals.
Other considerations include:
Stainless steel basin with sloped drainage
Integrated faucet/sprayer options
Restraint hooks or built-in grates for patient positioning
Under-table storage or cabinetry for dental supplies or prep tools
Compatibility with dental X-ray units or overhead lighting
Cost Considerations
Veterinary wet table prices can range from $3,000 to $ 8,000 or more, depending on size, materials, plumbing setup, and included accessories.
While it may be tempting to cut corners, this is a piece of equipment that will be used heavily daily. Investing in a high-quality table upfront means better durability, easier sanitation, and less downtime.
Don't forget to budget for installation, especially if plumbing connections or cabinetry modifications are needed.
A Small Upgrade with a Big Impact
Veterinary wet tables may not be the flashiest item in your hospital, but they play a crucial role in patient care and team efficiency.
The proper setup saves time, improves hygiene, and makes your technicians’ jobs easier—all while creating a more comfortable experience for the patients on the table.
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