Active engagement increases client interaction with disaster preparedness resources at veterinary clinics.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of active versus passive QR code distribution on the frequency of veterinary client visits to a website containing disaster preparedness resources. METHODS: A prospective trial was conducted in a veterinary clinical setting from May 27 through July 3, 2025, comparing client engagement with web-based disaster preparedness resources; a website QR code was distributed actively (handed to clients) versus passively (posted in the clinic). Website engagement was tracked with the use of a web-analytics platform, and group differences were assessed with descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and risk ratios with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Clients were 5.3 times more likely to click the QR code when it was actively distributed (95% CI, 1.88 to 14.96; χ2 = 11.6). CONCLUSIONS: Actively handing out resources was more effective at encouraging clients to engage with the material than passively making these flyers available for clients to pick up on their own. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinary teams can use existing resources and brief client interactions to support the development of disaster preparedness planning that includes pets.