How Fear Free Care Reduces Pet Anxiety at the Vet
Our goal is simple: help your pet feel safe, supported, and at ease from the moment they walk through our doors.
A visit to the veterinarian can be stressful for pets—and for the people who love them. New smells, unfamiliar sounds, and past experiences can all contribute to anxiety. That’s why our team is committed to Fear Free practices, a thoughtful, science-informed approach designed to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety as much as possible during every visit.
What Does “Fear Free” Mean?
Fear Free care focuses on minimizing stress and creating positive associations with veterinary visits. Instead of rushing pets through appointments, we take extra steps to make the experience calmer and more predictable.
At our clinic, this includes:
- Gentle handling techniques
- A soothing environment
- Sensory supports for sound, smell, and touch
- Positive reinforcement with treats and comfort items
Every detail is intentional—and every pet is treated as an individual.
Why Our Doctors Wear Gray Jackets Instead of White
You may notice that our doctors don’t wear traditional white coats. That choice is very intentional.
Research has shown that the color white can increase anxiety in pets, likely because many animals associate white coats with previous stressful medical experiences. To help reduce that reaction, our veterinarians wear soft gray jackets, which are more visually calming for pets.
Small visual changes can make a big emotional difference.
This simple adjustment helps create a more relaxed first impression when your pet meets their care team.
A Calmer Sound Environment With White Noise
Veterinary clinics can be noisy places—phones ringing, dogs barking, equipment running. To reduce startling or stressful sounds, we use white noise machines in all exam rooms.
White noise helps by:
- Masking sudden loud noises
- Creating a consistent, soothing background sound
- Preventing pets from reacting to activity outside the room
The result is a quieter, more peaceful space where your pet can settle in more easily.
Extra Comfort for Cats: Towels With Feliway
Cats are especially sensitive to stress, which is why we take additional steps to support their emotional comfort.
We keep a supply of soft towels infused with Feliway, a synthetic feline pheromone that helps promote a sense of familiarity and calm. These towels may be used to:
- Line exam tables
- Gently wrap or cover cats during exams
- Provide comforting scent cues during handling
This approach can significantly reduce fear-based behaviors and help cats feel more secure.
Positive Associations With a Variety of Treats
Fear Free care is all about positive reinforcement—and treats play a big role in that.
In our exam rooms, you’ll find a variety of treats to suit different preferences and dietary needs, including:
- Peanut butter
- Squeeze cheese
- Traditional dog treats
- Cat treats
- Catnip for our feline friends
Treats help distract pets, reward calm behavior, and create a more positive experience overall. For many pets, this turns the visit into something they can actually enjoy.
A Gentle, Individualized Approach—Every Visit
Not every pet responds the same way, and that’s okay. Our team takes the time to observe, adjust, and move at a pace that works for your pet. Fear Free practices allow us to build trust, reduce stress, and provide better care—both physically and emotionally.
Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Emotional Well-Being
Choosing Fear Free care means choosing compassion, patience, and respect for your pet’s feelings. We are proud to incorporate Fear Free practices into our daily routines and to continually look for ways to improve your pet’s experience.
If you have questions about Fear Free visits or would like to share what helps your pet feel most comfortable, we’re always happy to talk.
Because caring for your pet means caring about how they feel.