FEAR
We all love our pets and want what’s best for them throughout their lives – including the best medical care, keeping them fear-free. Unfortunately, for many pets (and pet parents), visits to veterinary practice evoke feelings of fear and stress. If this is true for your pet, what if veterinary visits could be something that they looked forward to?
FREE
This is where Fear Free comes in. This nationally-recognized professional certification focuses on alleviating fear, anxiety and stress in pets. Fear Free focuses on both the physical and emotional well-being of your pets. The initiative’s goal is to “take the pet out of petrified.” More information about this industry-wide initiative is available online at fearfreepets.com
Fear Free at TCVH
We are a Fear Free certified hospital. This means a large number of our staff has taken many training modules to help us remove as much fear and apprehension as possible when caring for your pet. We have been trained to recognize stages of anxiety in pets and how to allay those fears. We use treats and rewards, comfortable holding techniques, and more to help you and your pet feel welcome and more relaxed. For some very anxious patients, we may recommend some pre-visit medication. We are often successful in helping these pets overcome their fear. A lot of our pets come into the hospital looking for treats and petting; it makes our jobs more fulfilling and fun when we can win over a new pet buddy! We can help you become part of our caring team by giving you some tools to make your visit more fear free.
As a first step in TCVH’s Fear Free transition, ten team members completed specialized training and became Fear Free Certified Professionals. Then, these certified team members shared their knowledge and training with the rest of our staff. Finally, after careful deliberation and preparation, we implemented a wide range of changes in how we handle and interact with our patients and guests. We’ve always strived to offer a fear-free environment at TCVH, but now we‘ve taken extra steps to ensure that our whole team uses the best gentle handling and caring techniques.
What does a Fear Free visit look like?
When Scheduling
- Before your pet’s appointment, we’ll ask if you have any concerns about transporting your pet. We want to make sure that their experience starts well before you even leave home.
- We may ask that you reschedule a procedure if it does not need completed that day and sedation is not possible. We will not push your pet to “get it done”
We may prescribe medication for you to give before your next visit. Like with sedation, this medication will help your pet have a positive experience with us. Many pets feel much better when they receive these medications. The risk of untreated stress is much greater than any side effect of these medications.
Telemedicine
For pets with anxiety or stress with veterinary visits, telemedicine appointments may be a better alternative when appropriate.
How you can help your pet have a Fear Free visit?
Try to ensure that your pet is hungry when you arrive for their appointment (unless otherwise advised by a staff member). For instance, if their appointment is scheduled in the morning, wait to feed them their breakfast until afterwards. If they have an appointment later in the day, you could feed them half of their normal breakfast and save the rest for a later meal. This will help make the food rewards that we offer seem very enticing. Just like with people, food often tastes best when your pet is hungry.
Consider bringing some of your pet’s favorite treats and/or toys from home. The higher the value to your pet, the better. If your pet likes dry pet biscuits but loves _________ (ex. shredded chicken breast, canned food, carrots, etc.) – bring what your pet loves.
When you schedule your pet’s appointment, please let us know if you have any concerns about their upcoming visit. This could include challenges posed while getting to TCVH (ex. car sickness, “capturing” your cat in its carrier, etc.) or how they typically react when they enter our lobby. We’re eager to help however we can to ensure that your pet has a positive experience during their appointment – from the time they leave home until they’re back home again.
Based on your pet’s stress level during previous visits, we may prescribe calming medication. This medication will help your pet relax and enjoy their visit. Please be sure to give this medication as prescribed. We see great results with medication. Pets that were very fearful feel much better about their visit! Some pets that could not tolerate procedures do much better!
Work with your pet on the things that make them nervous. For example, if your pet is nervous with car rides, it may help to take some short, positive trips around the block. Or, it may help to have a “happy visit” to us in which you bring your pet in to receive treats. We are fortunate to have a certified trainer on staff that can help you with the best techniques.