What is “Fear Free”?
Fear, anxiety, stress or FAS are real emotions our pets can experience during their visit to the vet. Although the signs may be subtle up to 75% of dogs and cats will experience some form of FAS.
Here at all All Creatures we want to do everything we can to reduce or eliminate these feelings for you and your pet before and during your visit to our practice. That is why our doctors, technicians and support staff have embraced and become certified in the “Fear Free” philosophy of veterinary medicine.
The “Fear Free” methods and protocols we use lead to a reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is more enjoyable, rewarding and safer for all involved.
We can provide Calming Packets for clients to pick up prior to their visit to our hospital. The packets include a calming pheromone wipe (Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs) a calming supplement (over the counter herbal formula) and if needed an anti-anxiety or sedative medication for your pet.
The goal is simple, minimize any anxiety your pet experiences prior to and during your visit.
We incorporate soothing music, treats and gentle touch during the exam to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Bring your pet in hungry for your visit so treats we offer are more appealing. The use of treats helps distract your pet in a positive, rewarding way. Of course, let the staff know if there are any dietary restrictions we need to be aware of.
Or goal is the same as yours, we wish to make every experience with your pet a positive, friendly encounter while providing the best in compassionate veterinary care.
Our Fear Free Commitment to You and Your Pet
Fear. Anxiety and Stress (FAS) are normal and common emotions experienced by 75% of pets.
We are proud to have “Fear Free” Certified professionals on our team that are dedicated to caring for your pets’ emotional well-being as well as his or her physical well-being.
We’d like you to know how we meet that goal. Is your pet showing signs of stress and anxiety before arriving at the veterinary office? Ask us if pre-visit anti-anxiety medications or supplements might take the edge off and keep your pet happy and relaxed. We offer packets of herbal supplements, pheromone wipes and sprays that when used prior to leaving your home, in the car, and on towels and within carriers can greatly reduce a pets’ anxiety.
Would your pet be more comfortable waiting in the car rather than the waiting room? Just let us know, and we will be glad to accommodate you.
You will be brought into the exam room a few minutes before your pet will be seen because we’d like the two of you to spend some calm time together. This will allow your pet to explore the room and relax a little first.
Special calming chemical signals, known as pheromones, are infused throughout the room. Only dogs and cats can smell them, and they find them relaxing. The music in the room is also specifically created for canine and feline stress reduction.
We promise to keep our voices low and calm, and to never use force to examine, test, or treat your pet. We’ll use gentle control techniques, innovative tools, and medication when necessary to ensure your pet’s emotional health isn’t sacrifices for the sake of medical care.
Unless it is medically inappropriate, we’ll be giving your pet lots of treats during the visit. This is so he or she starts associating a trip to the veterinarian with good things! That will keep stress levels low. Bringing your pet into the appointment hungry can help this process along.
Some pets prefer to be examined up high on a table, others in your lap, in their carrier, or on the floor. We’ll go where we need to go to make your pet comfortable during the exam. We’ll also use specialized distraction techniques to keep your pet focused on good experiences while we perform procedures such as injections that might cause brief discomfort, stress or pain.