Do you have a dog or cat that gets scared when it’s time to visit the vet? You are not alone. Pets of all ages can develop a fear of going to the vet, whether it’s due to their past experiences, waiting rooms full of strangers (and other animals), or other negative associations.
The good news is that you and your pet can experience calmer, more positive vet visits by going to a Fear Free Certified veterinary clinic like Sploot Vets.
In this article, we talk about what it means to be a Fear free veterinary practice, the benefits of going to a Fear Free vet, and how to find a Fear Free certified vet near you!
What is a Fear Free Vet?: An Overview of the Fear Free Veterinary Practice
Being a Fear Free veterinary practice means prioritizing the emotional well-being of animal companions, creating a more comfortable and positive experience for both pets and pet parents.
Fear Free Certification is provided by Fear Free Pets, an organization founded by Dr. Marty Becker in 2016, with a mission to “alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.”
Note: Fear Free Pets gives certifications to veterinary professionals as well as pet professionals in animal shelters and boarding facilities, dog or cat groomers, pet sitters, and pet trainers.
In the context of veterinary care, Fear Free vets are those who have undergone specialized training to minimize distress in pets during vet visits, using a carefully designed methodology, including:
- Careful patient assessment and reassessment throughout the procedure;
- Creating a calm, quiet environment;
- Gentle pet handling techniques; and
- Providing treats for positive reinforcement.
What Does It Take to Be a Fear Free Vet?
To become Fear Free Certified, veterinarians must complete specific training modules and pass an examination. Fear Free Pets prepares the training modules and oversees the certification process.
Certification is not a one-time achievement; it requires commitment and ongoing education. Fear Free certified professionals must complete continuing education units (CEUs) annually to maintain their certification. This ensures they stay current with the latest techniques and best practices for reducing animal stress.
Benefits of Going to a Fear Free Vet for Dogs & Cats
1. Improved Behavior & Better Health Outcomes
By reducing your dog or cat’s fear and anxiety, they are more likely to behave better during vet visits. This allows vets to conduct physical exams, check-ups, and other veterinary services faster and more thoroughly, resulting in better health outcomes.
2. Compassionate Care for All Dogs & Cats (At Every Life Stage)
Going to a Fear Free veterinary practice allows dogs and cats to receive compassionate care, which is beneficial for young, adult, and older/senior pets.
Puppies and kittens are at critical development stages, forming lifelong associations. Positive experiences at the vet during these formative months can help prevent future anxiety and behavioral issues.
Adult pets, while often more accustomed to vet visits, can still experience stress that may go unnoticed. Meanwhile, older or senior dogs and cats may have additional health concerns and physical sensitivities. Fear Free techniques take into account a pet’s age (along with other factors) to ensure they are treated with the highest level of compassion and comfort.
3. Helps Calm Down Anxious Dogs & Cats
Feline and canine anxiety can manifest as various symptoms like excessive vocalization (barking or meowing), destructive behavior, trembling, hiding, and aggression. It’s important to note that even dogs and cats without a history of anxiety may develop anxiety specifically for vet visits, especially if they’ve experienced improper handling at any point.
Fear Free veterinary practices use calming techniques and provide a soothing environment that is ideal for dogs and cats that have anxiety. Over time, Fear Free vet clinics make veterinary visits less intimidating and more positive.
Why The Fear Free Veterinary Practice is Also Good for Pet Parents & Vets
1. A Positive Experience for Pet Parents
No more waiting nervously beside the exam table. Fear Free veterinary practices greatly reduce stress for pet parents by ensuring their pet is handled with care in a supportive environment. In addition, pet parents get to be a part of the positive vet care experience, which helps strengthen the bond between pets and pet parents.
2. A More Fulfilling Approach for Vets
Many veterinarians enter the profession because of their love for animals and a desire to help. However, without a proper grasp on how to calm down anxious dogs and cats, vets may encounter burnout — especially with lines of fearful pets, distressed pet parents, and noisy clinic environments.
This is why the Fear Free Certification is such a game-changer in the veterinary industry. The Fear Free approach enables veterinarians to do their best work by equipping them with techniques to alleviate stress in animals and, consequently, build fulfilling relationships with pet parents.
How to Find a Fear Free Vet Near You
Looking for a Fear Free vet near you? Fear Free Pets offers an official directory that you can use to look up or verify veterinarians who are Fear Free Certified. Click here to go to the Fear Free Pets’ directory.
Sploot Vets: A Leading Fear Free Vet in Denver, CO & Chicago, IL
At Sploot Vets, we have focused on creating an exceptional pet and pet parent experience since the beginning, so ensuring that ALL of our vet clinics are 100% Fear Free Certified aligns perfectly with our commitment and vision. All members of our medical team, including veterinary assistants, technicians, nurses, and veterinarians, are trained in Fear Free practices.
Aside from maintaining our Fear Free Vet Certification, we will continue to go the extra mile to make sure that pets get compassionate, convenient, and state-of-the-art care.
Experience the Sploot Difference today by visiting one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Denver and Chicago! You can book your appointment online or through the innovative Sploot Vets app. We welcome same-day, scheduled, or drop-off appointments in our Fear Free vet clinics, 365 days a year!
