Victory Visits

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Building Confidence, Comfort & Positive Experiences

Victory Visits are short, positive, low-pressure visits designed to help pets feel more relaxed and confident in a clinical or physiotherapy environment. These sessions focus on creating positive associations without treatment or expectations, allowing pets to explore, settle and build trust at their own pace.

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy, Victory Visits form an important part of our Fear Free, low-stress approach, helping pets feel safe and supported before or alongside physiotherapy care.

What Is a Victory Visit?

A Victory Visit is a brief appointment where your pet can:

Visit the clinic without undergoing treatment
Explore the space calmly
Receive gentle positive reinforcement
Interact without pressure, handling or procedures

There is no physical assessment or therapy during a Victory Visit unless previously agreed. The goal is simply a positive, stress-free experience.

How Do Victory Visits Work?

Victory Visits are fully tailored to your pet and may include:

Calm entry and exploration of the environment
Time to sniff, observe and settle
Gentle interaction only if your pet chooses
Treats, praise or toys (as appropriate)
Ending the visit on a positive note

Visits are kept short and relaxed, and your pet is never forced to engage.

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Which Pets Benefit from Victory Visits?

Victory Visits are particularly helpful for:

Anxious or nervous pets
Pets with previous negative veterinary experiences
Young animals new to clinical environments
Rescue pets
Cats or dogs sensitive to handling
Pets starting physiotherapy for the first time
Pets undergoing long-term or repeated treatment
Senior pets who may feel unsettled by new environments

They are suitable for both dogs and cats.

Why Are Victory Visits Important?

✔ Reduce fear and anxiety
✔ Build trust and confidence
✔ Improve cooperation during future appointments
✔ Support Fear Free handling and treatment
✔ Create positive associations with the clinic

Pets who feel safe and relaxed are more comfortable, more engaged, and often respond better to treatment when it is needed.

Victory Visits & Physiotherapy

Victory Visits can be used:

Before starting physiotherapy
Alongside an ongoing treatment plan
After a break in treatment
To support pets who struggle with handling or new environments

They are particularly beneficial for cats and sensitive dogs.

Do Victory Visits Require Veterinary Consent?

Victory Visits do not involve treatment, so veterinary consent is not required unless physiotherapy or assessment is planned during the visit. If sessions progress to treatment, veterinary referral or consent will be requested beforehand.

Is a Victory Visit Right for Your Pet?

If your pet shows signs of stress, hesitation or anxiety around clinical environments, a Victory Visit can be a valuable first step in building confidence and comfort.

Physiotherapy, is not a substitute for veterinary intervention.
In accordance to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, veterinary consent is not needed for maintenance treatments on a healthy animal, however it is needed in cases of disease, injury, disorders and illnesses.

Any animal displaying lameness or significant abnormalities will not be treated and veterinary intervention recommended.

Your veterinarian must be your first point of contact for any major concerns.

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