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Many pets exhibit fears of visiting the veterinarian. Between the unfamiliar smells, people, pets, and touching, it is no wonder that your cat or dog may be terrified of a visit to the veterinarian.
Fortunately, Fear Free certified vets and support staff exist to help make your pet’s trip to the hospital less stressful for both you and your pet. These trained professionals aim to reduce the anxiety that your cat or dog feels both during the visit and for future visits. AERA has a number of Fear Free-certified staff members that would love to help your pet feel more comfortable at the vet.
Fear Free-certified veterinary professionals can make a huge difference in the lives of pets with fear, stress, and anxiety leading up to and during visits to the vet. They are specially trained in low-stress handling techniques and have the resources and knowledge to make your pet’s visit more enjoyable for you both.
At AERA, our Fear Free-certified veterinary team members work to make sure your pet is comfortable in a variety of ways. We also aim to make the experience as fun as possible for your pet.
Fear Free veterinary care at AERA is designed to promote a more peaceful, relaxing experience for your dog or cat. Prior to your pet’s visit, you will have different waiting options available to prevent waiting room stress for your pet. If you know that your pet feels anxiety in veterinary waiting rooms, please let the front desk know ahead of time and we can work with you to provide alternative options.
One technique we use to keep your pet comfortable is instead of putting your pet on a slick, cold surface, we will use a yoga mat or warm towel to provide a more comfortable experience for your dog or cat. Pheromone and aromatherapy diffusers may also be used in the exam room to help keep your pet calm.
We also strongly suggest that you bring your pet’s favorite treats, toy, or comfort item along so that treats or playtime can be incorporated into the visit. This will help your pet associate his or her visit with a fun, positive experience. Be sure to ask the vet you are seeing ahead of time what treats or items would be medically appropriate given the nature of your pet’s visit.
We encourage pet owners to tell our staff what your pet is and isn’t okay with. If your pet prefers women or men, we can try to accommodate you. We also recommend that you ask your vet any questions about reducing stress that you want answered. Designated team members are available to help make vet visits less stressful to all parties involved, including owners.
Getting to the vet can be difficult for animals with severe anxiety. Many animals are afraid of crates, carriers, and the car itself. We recommend that pet owners read our list of tips for a Fear-Free car ride.
For dogs who fear visits to the vet, we have made a list of tips that can help reduce fear and anxiety at our hospital.
To help your cat feel less fear and anxiety about vet visits, we have compiled a list of tips that promote relaxation.
Fear Free Happy Homes can not only provide you further information about Fear Free veterinary visits, but it can also help you better understand the fear and anxiety spectrum and provide other important resources on fear and anxiety in pets.
If you live in the Fairfield, New Jersey area and need to bring a frightened pet to the vet for an emergency or specialty care visit, call us at 973-788-0500 to set up a low-stress appointment today. .