Fear Free Veterinary Professional

A Fear Free Veterinary Professional is a veterinarian, technician, nurse, or other member of an animal-care team who has completed specialized training aimed at minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets during veterinary visits.

The program, developed by Fear Free®, LLC, emphasizes:

• Animal behavior and body language – identifying early signs of stress in pets.

• Low-stress handling techniques – employing gentle restraint, calming environments, and care at the pet's pace.

• Environmental modifications – including soothing pheromones, non-slip mats, quiet examination rooms, and species-specific waiting areas.

• Client communication – guiding pet owners on preparing pets for visits, such as carrier training and positive reinforcement.

• Emotional well-being – addressing not only the physical health of animals but also their emotional state.

The objective is to foster a positive and calmer experience for both pets and their owners, enhance safety for veterinary staff, and strengthen the bond between people and their animals.

While we are not a veterinary clinic that performs complex procedures, we recognize that your pet may still experience fear, anxiety, or stress due to the similar environment. Consequently, we are committed to minimizing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) by allowing your pet to set the pace for their treatment. We incorporate enrichment activities and provide ample treats to ensure a relaxing experience for everyone involved.

Pets with a history of biting, those who have previously exhibited stress, anxiety, or fear in veterinary environments, or those who sometimes avoid contact are all welcome at our clinic. To minimize Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS), we will work closely with you and your pet to determine the most suitable approach.

Methods for Reducing FAS:

• Victory Visits: We invite your pet to the clinic to familiarize them with the environment and staff, providing positive reinforcement through treats to build their confidence.

• Pheromone Diffusers: We utilize pheromone diffusers for both cats and dogs to promote relaxation and assure them that they are in a safe setting.

• Touch Gradient: We employ a touch gradient approach, beginning with less sensitive areas and gradually progressing to more sensitive ones, while monitoring for signs of FAS. If an increase in FAS is observed, we pause and reassess.

• Reward Ladder: We implement a reward ladder, adjusting the level of reward based on your pet's FAS level. For instance, dry treats are the lowest reward, followed by soft meaty treats, and finally, highly desirable soft treats such as peanut butter and soft cheese.

*Please inform us of any dietary restrictions your pet may have.

Issy is a level 3 Fear Free Veterinary professional working towards their elite status.