Making Veterinary Visits Less Stressful

Every visit is designed with your pet’s emotional well-being in mind.

There’s a growing movement in veterinary medicine that focuses not just on what care pets receive, but how they experience it. It’s called the Fear Free® initiative, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Fear Free veterinary care prioritizes a pet’s emotional well-being during every step of their visit. It recognizes that fear, anxiety, and stress can directly affect both behavior and health—and that reducing those emotional responses leads to better outcomes and stronger relationships. What Does “Fear Free” Veterinary Care Really Mean?

Fear Free Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Philosophy

At our hospital, Fear Free is more than a buzzword. Because we are a Fear Free Certified Practice, it’s built into the foundation of how we practice.

  • Dr. Ross and several team members Fear Free Elite Certified—the highest level of individual certification available.
  • Every team member is required to complete their Fear Free Certification within ninety days of joining our practice.
  • Our facility, protocols, and handling techniques are all designed to minimize stress for both dogs and cats.

This approach isn’t about checking a box. It’s about creating an environment where pets feel safe, and veterinary teams are trained to recognize subtle signs of fear or discomfort. That might mean using low-stress handling techniques, offering treats during exams, adjusting lighting and sound, or even recommending pre-visit medications when appropriate.

Why Does Fear Free Matter?

Can stress at the vet really impact your pet’s health?

Yes. Fear and anxiety can interfere with vital signs, skew lab results, and even lead to missed diagnoses if a pet is too stressed to allow a full examination. For some pets, stress can make every veterinary visit traumatic—leading to delayed care or avoidance altogether.

By reducing that stress, we’re able to:

  • Build trust between your pet and the care team
  • Improve the accuracy of exams and diagnostics
  • Make visits safer and more positive—for pets and people
  • Encourage lifelong wellness through early, proactive care

A Calmer Visit Is Possible

If your pet has ever shown signs of fear, hesitation, or even aggression at the vet, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. A Fear Free approach changes the equation. It creates a calmer visit, a more comfortable pet, and a higher standard of veterinary medicine.

We believe every pet deserves that.