Fear Free Certified Professionals

What does Fear Free mean? The Fear Free initiative is a nationally recognized movement that seeks to eliminate fear from veterinary visits through educating both veterinary professionals and pet owners about Fear Free techniques. Currently we have two Fear-free trained professionals in our practice.

For many pets and their owners, going to the veterinarian can cause feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. Stressful veterinary visits are problematic for pets, pet owners, and veterinary healthcare team members. That’s why Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” founded a certification program—called Fear Free —that helps veterinary healthcare professionals learn how to make visits to the vet something pets and their owners can both look forward to.

We are proud to have Fear Free Certified® Professionals on our team. We’ve always worked hard to provide the best care for your pets. Now, we know that there are ways to make your pet’s healthcare even better. The Fear Free mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.

What do we mean when we say that a veterinary visit is Fear Free? A veterinary team member who is Fear Free Certified® wants your pet to be happy when (s)he comes through the door of the clinic. Fear Free doesn’t mean that your pet will never experience anything uncomfortable at the veterinarian—he may be injured or ill, after all—but it does mean that we make every effort to reduce any fear, anxiety, and stress related to examinations and procedures.

Why is it important to be Fear Free? A calm, relaxed pet is not only easier to handle; it also helps us in our diagnostics. Stressed pets can cause incorrect readings in their bloodwork and other diagnostic tests. Fear Free makes for better veterinary medicine.

Here are 10 ways we help your pet stay comfortable and relaxed from arrival to departure.

1. The waiting game is over. One of the things our clients love about our practice is the unique clinic design and ample appointment times. With no waiting room, there will be no dogs invading your cat’s private space or vice versa. You have the option to wait in your car with your pet until you are texted or called to come in or you will be taken right into the exam room.

2. No more sitting on slick, cold surfaces. Your pet will have a non-slip surface to stand on, such as a yoga mat or a warm, pheromone-infused towel.

3. Relaxation rules. Pheromone and aromatherapy diffusers emit calming substances into the air, and pet-friendly music works its calming effect on the central nervous system. (You might benefit, too.)

4. Eye contact is for you, not your pet. Fear Free Certified® veterinary team members will initially avoid eye contact with your pet and focus on you instead. This helps your pet feel less stressed because (s)he’s not the center of attention and gives him/her time to check out the environment and become accustomed to the team member’s presence.

5. Got treats? Bring your dog or cat in hungry because Fear Free Certified® veterinary team members will be handing out many small but delicious treats throughout the visit to welcome your pet, distract him/her during procedures, and reward him/her for cooperation.

6. Color therapy. Bright white can be startling to animals. Pastels are more soothing, so veterinary professionals wear lab coats and scrubs in those shades.

7. Distraction. In addition to treats, our veterinary team members utilize a variety of distraction techniques, such as toys, to help your pet be comfortable.

8. Transparency is “in”, taking the pet to “The back” is out. Whenever possible, our Fear Free Certified® veterinary team members will perform exams and procedures right there in the exam room so your pet will be reassured by your presence and you can assist as needed, and you’ll have the assurance that he will be treated kindly and respectfully.

9. If your pet needs a little extra assistance, we will prescribe anti-anxiety or other calming medications or supplements to help make the car ride and the visit more enjoyable and less frightening for your pet.

10. Emotional rescue. Our veterinary team members will note your pet’s emotional response to the visit and what treats and techniques worked best to reduce any fear, anxiety, and stress that may have been expressed. This will help to make future visits even better.

We ask that you fill out pre-visit questionnaire and bring it with you or email it to us.

For more information, ask us about our Fear Free handling techniques and ways you can prepare for a veterinary visit by reducing stress at home. We’ll be happy to assist you and spread our knowledge!

Schedule your appointment today to experience the Fear Free way!