B. toysCritter Clinic Vet Set – Pretend Play Animal Hospital Toy for Toddlers & Kids – 14 Pieces Pet Care Set with Tools & Plush Toys – 2+ Years

I can remember my own son using this toy when he was in speech therapy years ago. He LOVED playing with this and learned so many new words during those sessions.Recently, I was looking for a new toy to introduce to some of my students during my school-based Occupational Therapy sessions. This is a HIT!When I use it as part of a “first, then” (“first this activity, then we play with the vet set”), my students work hard so they can play with this toy. So while, yes, it’s a bribe, it’s also highly motivating to get through activities that are beneficial, but also really challenging for my students.We use it to work on matching colors and problem solving (correctly orienting the keys to unlock/lock the door) while also incorporating fine motor skills. I show them how to use the pretend vet tools and they diagnose and treat each animal. Correctly holding a syringe and administering a shot is tricky for little hands! We talk about how that animal must feel… ”that sticker in his foot must really hurt!” or “she has a temperature. I bet she doesn’t feel very good.” Talking about these things helps to build empathy for others.We “treat” one animal at a time. We get him out of the kennel, diagnose and treat, then we put him in the “pasture” (the open area on top) to play with the other animals. Then we move on to the next patient. This helps kids to learn to complete one task at a time before moving on to the next.The biggest win for me is that this vet set helps to build pretend play skills which I find many of my students lack. You wouldn’t think you have to teach kids to play, but sometimes you do. This is a great and fun way to show kids how to use all the pieces and their imagination to play a great game. They LOVE for me to call them Dr. ______ and ask them what’s wrong with each animal and what we should do to help them feel better.Cleaning up is part of the game too. “All the animals are feeling much better! It’s time to close the vet’s office, Dr. ____, and go back to class.” What would normally be a tough transition from an activity they enjoy normally goes pretty well. You have to teach kids to clean up. Going back through and locking all the animals into their kennels “so they’re safe” helps to ease that transition.Bonus: It’s easy to clean between students with our school approved spray or wipes. Everything is plastic so it dries quickly and is ready for the next round of well-visits or sick and injured animals.If I had a complaint, it would be this…I used some of my kid’s old miniature animal toys to be the patients at the vet clinic. It can be tricky to find ones small enough to fit in the kennel, but big enough that they don’t fall out of the windows. That’s in addition to finding animals most kids would be familiar with. Honestly, it’s not a big enough con that I wouldn’t purchase it again. But it’s something to know if you’re looking to have an animal in each kennel.Every student that has played with this asks for it many weeks afterwards. There are a million ways to play and incorporate new skills during therapy.If you’re just looking for a fun new toy for a loved little in your life, this is a slam dunk. I’ve yet to see a kid that wasn’t immediately interested in it and could play with it endlessly if she had the chance. Spend the $20 and be the favorite for giving the best gift at the birthday party. It’s now one of my go-to gifts for my friend’s kids.

Cute toy, keeps little girl busy. It is a bit advanced if you use as intended. Having a challenge with the latch to close so you can carry by handle. It has multiple components so any child can find a good time playing. My granddaughter is having fun with stethoscope and the items for pretend doctor. Well made. Well worth the money

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I use this with my students in Speech Therapy and they love it. I can put so many fun items in the boxes.

As a mom of two children who are both on the autism spectrum, it’s hard to find toys they actually enjoy or sit and play with (that actually holds their attention). Well, I finally found one! This thing is awesome! It’s educational and perfect for kids of multiple ages. Mine are 4 & almost 7, both boys, and they both love it! I hide new toys in there frequently and they LOVE checking it.It’s not obnoxiously large. It’s a pretty perfect size (from someone who enjoys a less cluttered home), and to top it off, it’s very cute!I highly recommend:)

Great toy to promote fine motor skills with key use, pretend play skills with animals and tools, and fun for kids to grow with and use over the years. Main complaint is that the critter clinic only comes with 2 animals for the 6 doors so we had to supplement with other animals for making this toy feel complete.

Many uses for therapy, great toy

This toy is top notch. Helps with dexterity. Great for kids who love to be a vet or doctor. High quality

2-year olds may need a little help with the keys, but they will quickly get the idea because of the color coding. A fun and interactive toy.