Fear Free Veterinary Care
Evidence-based techniques that prioritize your pet’s emotional wellbeing alongside their physical health, creating a calmer, more positive healthcare experience
Fear Free
Veterinary Care
Evidence-based techniques that prioritize your pet’s emotional wellbeing alongside their physical health, creating a calmer, more positive healthcare experience
What is Fear Free veterinary care?
Fear Free veterinary care focuses on reducing fear, stress and anxiety for pets during their veterinary visits. Rather than simply “getting through” an exam or procedure, Fear Free techniques support a pet’s emotional wellbeing alongside their physical health. This can include gentle handling, allowing pets time to settle, using positive reinforcement such as treats or praise, creating a calm environment, and tailoring each visit to the individual pet’s comfort level.
Dr Donna has completed additional training to become a Fear Free Certified Professional, undertaking dedicated education in animal behaviour, low-stress handling, and creating positive veterinary experiences. These techniques are incorporated into every visit, with the home environment offering an added layer of comfort and familiarity for pets.
When pets feel safe, their veterinary experience becomes far more positive. They are more relaxed, easier to examine, and less likely to develop long-term anxiety about veterinary care. This helps build trust between pets, their families and their veterinarian, and supports ongoing healthcare throughout their lives. A lower-stress experience also allows for more accurate examinations and better overall health outcomes.
Pet parents can also support their pets’ emotional wellbeing at home. Fear Free provides excellent resources through Fear Free Happy Homes, offering practical tips and advice to help pets feel safe and confident in everyday life.
Benefits of Fear Free
How Fear Free techniques improve the experience for both pets and their families
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Pets remain calmer throughout the examination, reducing cortisol levels and preventing long-term trauma associated with veterinary visits.
Better Examinations
Relaxed pets allow for more thorough physical examinations, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better health outcomes.
Family Comfort
When pets are calm, their families feel more at ease, creating a positive environment that benefits everyone involved in the pet’s care.
Lasting Positive Associations
Positive experiences create better long-term relationships with healthcare, making future visits easier and less stressful.
Safer for Everyone
Calm pets are less likely to bite, scratch, or struggle, creating a safer environment for pets, owners, and veterinary staff.
Enhanced Learning
Owners can better focus on health education and instructions when they’re not worried about their pet’s stress levels.
Dr. Donna's Fear Free Techniques
Specific methods used to ensure your pet’s comfort during every home visit
Home Environment Advantage
Performing examinations in your pet’s familiar territory eliminates the stress of travel and unfamiliar clinical smells, sounds, and environments.
Gentle Handling Techniques
Minimal restraint methods that respect your pet’s body language and comfort levels, allowing them to maintain some control during procedures.
Body Language Recognition
Constant monitoring of stress signals allows for immediate intervention and adjustment of techniques before anxiety escalates.
High-Value Treats & Enrichment
Special treats, toys, and positive distractions are used throughout the visit to create positive associations with examination procedures.
Gradual Introduction
Extended consultation times allow pets to become comfortable with Dr. Donna’s presence before any examination or treatment begins.
Sedation When Appropriate
For procedures like euthanasia or highly stressed pets, gentle sedation ensures comfort and dignity throughout the process.
Traditional vs Fear Free Approach
Understanding the difference in approach and outcomes
Preparing for Your Fear Free Visit
Simple steps to help ensure the best possible experience for your pet
For Cats
- ✓ Confine your cat to a small, familiar room 30 minutes before the visit
- ✓ Remove hiding spots (under beds, behind furniture)
- ✓ Keep familiar bedding or toys nearby for comfort
- ✓ Consider using a pheromone diffuser (Feliway) beforehand
- ✓ Inform Dr. Donna of any specific fears or behaviors
For Dogs
- ✓ Choose a quiet area of your home for the examination
- ✓ Have comfortable flooring or a familiar blanket available
- ✓ Let Dr. Donna know your preferred entry method (e.g. doorbell vs knocking)
- ✓ Share any triggers or sensitivities your dog has
- ✓ Have your dog’s favourite treats ready for the visit
- ✓ Ensure they’ve had bathroom breaks before arrival
General Preparation for All Pets
Preparing for Your Fear Free Visit
Simplesteps to help ensure the best possible experience for your pet
For Cats
- ✓ Confine your cat to a small, familiar room 30 minutes before the visit
- ✓ Remove hiding spots (under beds, behind furniture)
- ✓ Have a stable table or surface available for examination
- ✓ Keep familiar bedding or toys nearby for comfort
- ✓ Consider using a pheromone diffuser (Feliway) beforehand
- ✓ Inform Dr. Donna of any specific fears or behaviors
For Dogs
- ✓ Have your dog's favorite treats ready for the visit
- ✓ Ensure they've had bathroom breaks before arrival
- ✓ Choose a quiet area of your home for the examination
- ✓ Have comfortable flooring or a familiar blanket available
- ✓ Let Dr. Donna know your preferred entry method (doorbell vs. knocking)
- ✓ Share any triggers or sensitivities your dog has