Fear Free Visits
Helping Your Pet Feel Safer, Calmer, and More Comfortable at the Vet
What Does Fear Free Mean?
A Fear Free certified veterinary practice aims to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits. The staff undergo additional training in many aspects of patient care, including handling, recognizing signs of fear and stress, and creating a more positive experience for pets and their families.
The goal is not only to provide excellent medical care, but also to make each visit as comfortable and supportive as possible. By reducing veterinary-related anxiety, we can help pets feel safer during appointments and make future visits easier for both pets and owners.
What Does This Mean for My Pet?
A Fear Free visit may look a little different from a traditional veterinary appointment. You may be asked questions about your pet’s previous experiences and receive guidance on how to prepare before the visit. We encourage you to bring favorite treats, toys, or bedding to help your pet feel more comfortable.
During the appointment, the veterinary team may move more slowly, allow breaks, or adjust their approach based on your pet’s comfort level. If a pet becomes overly stressed despite our Fear Free approach, we may decide that the best option is to adjust the plan for that day. This may involve rescheduling the appointment and, when appropriate, discussing medications to help with anxiety.
We understand that rescheduling can feel frustrating, but our goal is always to create the best possible experience for you and your pet. In many cases, forcing a pet to continue a stressful visit may make future visits even more difficult and may not be safe for the pet or our staff. We will work with you to find a plan that supports everyone involved.
What Can I Do to Help Give My Pet a More Fear Free Experience?
Fear Free starts at home. Helping your pet feel comfortable with carriers, car rides, handling, and the veterinary experience before the appointment can lead to a calmer, more positive visit.
For example, if your cat only sees the carrier before being taken to the vet, they may begin to associate it with stressful experiences. Small changes at home can make a meaningful difference in how your pet feels before and during veterinary visits.
We are happy to provide advice and support before your appointment. Just reach out to our team.
What Does This Mean for Emergencies or Urgent Visits?
In emergency or urgent care situations, pets may already be feeling more stressed or anxious. We will still use Fear Free techniques whenever possible to make the experience as calm and supportive as we can, while always prioritizing your pet’s safety and medical needs.
Tips for a Calmer Visit
The following guidance can help you prepare your pet for a more comfortable experience at Simi Valley Animal Hospital.
Happy Visits
Happy visits are non-medical visits where your pet comes into the clinic without a medical reason. During these visits, we may offer treats, petting, or gentle handling to help your pet build positive associations with the clinic. These visits can help make future appointments a little easier and less stressful.
You do not need to make an appointment before coming in for a happy visit, but if your pet is especially anxious around new people or animals, calling ahead may help us guide you to a quieter time.
Cats
Please bring your cat in a secure, enclosed carrier. Carriers that open from the top or can be taken apart are especially helpful. Covering the carrier with a blanket may also help your cat feel more secure.
It is also helpful to keep the carrier out at home where your cat can access it regularly, so it becomes a familiar and comfortable space rather than something associated only with stressful events. Adding a soft blanket or bed inside can encourage your cat to rest there. Pheromone sprays such as Feliway may also help some cats relax during travel.
If your cat has a favorite treat and has not been told to fast before the appointment, you are welcome to bring it along. We also have treats available in the clinic.
Dogs
Please bring your dog on a secure collar or harness and leash. If you use a retractable leash, please keep it locked short while inside the practice for safety and comfort.
Try to minimize contact with other dogs in the waiting area, even if your dog is social in other settings. Dogs may feel more vulnerable when on leash or not feeling well, and limiting interaction also helps reduce the spread of infectious disease.
Bringing your dog’s favorite treats can help create a more positive experience. Getting your dog used to car rides can also make visits easier. For dogs who are fearful of the car, short positive experiences in a parked car or rides to enjoyable places can help build comfort over time.
If your dog gets car sick, it may help to avoid food for a few hours before travel while still offering fresh water. In more severe cases, anti-nausea medications may be recommended.
If your dog wears a muzzle for veterinary visits, muzzle training at home ahead of time can be very helpful. We are happy to provide guidance if needed.
Small Furries and Exotics
Helping your pet become more comfortable with gentle handling can make examinations less stressful. Start slowly, especially if your pet is fearful, and build up gradually using calm interaction and positive reinforcement.
For tips tailored to your pet’s species and personality, please reach out to our team.
Medications
In some cases, medications may be used to help your pet remain calm. These may range from oral anti-anxiety medications to full sedation, depending on your pet’s needs, personality, and the type of procedure being performed.
If your pet has needed sedation in the past, or has previously benefited from anti-anxiety medications before visits, please call ahead so we can plan accordingly.
If we suggest medications, sedation, or a muzzle, this is not a judgment on you or your pet. Veterinary visits can be stressful, and these recommendations are made to help keep your pet and our team safe while making the experience as low-stress as possible.
Questions About Fear Free Care?
If you would like suggestions, tips, or help preparing your pet for a calmer veterinary visit, please contact our team before your appointment. We are happy to support you and your pet however we can.