Fear Free
You may have heard us mention that we have fear free certified team members or that we practice fear free medicine. We would love to explain what that actually means and what it looks like behind the scenes.
Fear Free is a way to practice veterinary medicine that reduces stress and fear for our patients and creates a safer environment for them and for our team. We strive to minimize stressful triggers that start before you leave home until after your return home with your pet. In watching their behavior and learning their triggers, we can give our clients tools and information to help de-stress the entire process of going to the veterinarian. Some of those tools may be treats, distractions, or medications. We may suggest a happy visit (involves lots of good treats and belly rubs) or a pre-visit medication routine.
During the visit, your pet’s body language allows our doctors and nursing team to adapt and examine them where they are most comfortable. Keeping all the senses in mind – touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste allows us and your pets to be successful with visits. We combine all of these to create an opportunity for cooperative care. Consistent, gentle touch lets your pet know our intentions and feel comfortable with our approach. Low, calm voices and even classical music help to decrease stress and anxiety for all involved with the visit. Our doctors avoid wearing their white coats that can be scary for many patients. The Client Service Representatives are quick to attend our entering patients to get them into a quiet, private room to avoid stressful interactions with other pets and people. The exam rooms are fitted with pheromone diffusers and our staff are careful to remove as much smell from the previous patient as possible. We have many levels of rewarding treats to offer your pets depending on their stress level and preferences.
Fear free encompasses multiple aspects of a pets visit to March, with the end goal to always be a safe and stress-free exam. We have all been very excited to bring the fear free process to March. Our team members have gone through training and certification processes for months and we will continue to do so to bring you all the best possible experience for your pets, and ideally for you.
Check out more here: Fear Free
