Going to the veterinarian is an important part of pet care, but it is not a part of your pet’s normal routine. Going to the vet for checkups, illnesses, and even emergencies may be necessary, but these visits can also cause stress for our furry friends. Taking your pet to a fear-free certified veterinarian can help them feel safer and more secure.
What Does Fear-Free Certified Mean?
In order to gain fear-free certification, the staff at a veterinary clinic needs special training. Fear-free training prioritizes emotional well-being, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement.
The goals of fear-free treatment are to:
- Prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of all animals.
- Be able to recognize fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
- Participate in training and strategy building that aims to minimize fear.
- Focus on gentle handling and eliminate any unnecessary physical restraints or contact.
- Creating an environment that helps prevent fear and anxiety.
- Communicate clearly with owners to ensure their pet’s safety.
Why We Believe in Fear-Free Veterinary Care
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we believe that providing a fear-free environment is the right thing to do. We are not only here to care for your pet’s physical health, but their emotional health as well. No one wants to be scared, and that goes for your pets too. Fear can make pets react in unusual ways, and they might lash out or try to run away.
Our fear-free training helps us provide better care in several key ways:
- Fear can create higher heart rates or exacerbate symptoms. When your pet is calm, we can take more accurate vitals, which means we can make a more accurate diagnosis.
- The calmer your pet is, the more likely they will be to let us examine them more closely. This can help us detect illnesses or diseases before they become a problem.
- A relaxed pet means there’s more time for questions. Pets who are stressed can make you feel stressed in the office. You might forget questions, or decide to just leave as soon as possible.
- Improves staff safety and reduces the chance of on-the-job injuries like scratches or bites.
- Fear-free check-ups help foster trust between a veterinarian and a pet. This can help your pet feel safer if they ever need emergency care.
The Best Fear-Free Vets in Gilbert, Arizona
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we want to provide every pet with the best care available. That is why we work hard to ensure a fear-free environment and keep up with the latest in fear-free care practices. From puppyhood to old age, we are here for your furry family members every step of the way. Contact us today for an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/20/25). Photo by Yevhen Stienin on Unsplash