06/01/2026
Even the calmest, coolest & collected...est pets can experience anxiety at the vet! As a Fear-Free Certified team, we want to set everyone up for success!
Here are just a few ways you can start at home:
🐾 Practice gentle handling/restraint techniques - gently inspect your pet’s paws, ears, mouth, and body regularly at home while offering treats so exams feel more familiar and less scary.
🐾 Take short “happy visits” when possible. Stopping by the clinic for treats, cuddles, or a quick weigh-in without an exam can help build positive associations (and it's fun for everyone!)
🐾 Get your pet comfortable with their carrier or car rides ahead of time. Leave carriers out at home with blankets and treats inside, and take short drives that don’t always end at the vet.
🐾 Bring comfort items to your appointment. Toys or treats from home can help pets feel more secure during their visit.
🐾 Try to avoid arriving TOO early to your appointment (more than 10 minutes). Sitting in a busy lobby for a long time can increase anxiety for some pets. We like to be able to move you into a comfortable exam room as soon as you arrive!
🐾 Stay calm! Pets pick up on our emotions, so a relaxed, positive attitude can go a long way.
If your pet has significant anxiety or fear around vet visits, always check in with us ahead of time. Many pets benefit from a customized care plan.
