What is Fear Free?
Fear Free is an initiative founded by Dr. Marty Becker in 2016 to help pets feel more comfortable at the vet. His goal was to make visits less stressful and more positive. A 2014 study found that 37% of dog owners and 58% of cat owners report their pets dislike vet visits, while 26% of dog owners and 38% of cat owners feel stressed just thinking about it.
The Importance of Fear Free Care
Reducing stress makes vet visits easier for pets and their owners. Regular check-ups promote better health by allowing early detection of issues before they become serious.
How We Make Vet Visits Fear Free
Our hospitals have Fear Free Certified team who use specialized training to reduce stress before, during, and after visits. Keeping pets calm improves their experience, enhances medical care, and ensures a safe environment for everyone.
Making Vet Visits Easier for Your Pet
A Fear Free visit starts with how you bring your pet in. Always use a leash or carrier. Since many cats get nervous around carriers, you can help by:
- Keeping the carrier in a familiar place.
- Adding soft bedding, ideally with your scent.
- Placing treats, toys, or catnip inside to encourage exploration.
Choosing the right carrier also helps:
- Look for one with both front and top openings.
- A removable top allows your cat to stay in the base during the exam.
How is Fear Free Implemented?
Each of our hospitals has Fear Free Certified team who have undergone extensive training to create a low-stress environment for our patients. These skills and techniques help reduce anxiety for pets and their families before, during, and after their visit. When pets remain calm, we can provide higher-quality care while also ensuring the safety of our team.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital may utilize the following techniques to support a Fear Free visit for your pet.
For Our Canine Companions
- Our team applies Adaptil, a dog-calming pheromone spray, to their clothing and the towel or blanket your dog will rest on during their visit.
- An Adaptil diffuser is placed above the dog scale to promote relaxation.
- Exam rooms are stocked with a variety of treats, including peanut butter, cheese, and biscuits.
- Soothing music, such as Through a Dog’s Ears, plays to create a calming environment.
- We prioritize gentle handling and avoid using force for treatments or diagnostics. If necessary, we may recommend mild sedation for particularly anxious pets or painful procedures.
For Our Feline Friends
- Our team applies Feliway, a cat-calming pheromone spray, to their clothing and the towel or blanket your cat will rest on during their visit.
- A Feliway diffuser is placed in the cat waiting area to promote relaxation.
- Exam rooms are stocked with a variety of treats, including soft, crunchy, and different flavor options.
- A dedicated cat-only exam room and waiting area are available at select locations.
- Soothing music, such as Through a Cat’s Ears, plays to create a calming atmosphere.
- We avoid scruffing unless necessary for safety. In some cases, we may recommend mild sedation for highly anxious cats or painful procedures.
Understanding Pet Stress
We’re trained to detect stress in pets and help them relax. Check this chart to learn more about your pet’s different moods.
