The First Fear Free Practice in the Region
Hanover Veterinary Hospital strives to provide your pet with the best veterinary experience possible. To do that, we knew we had to shoot for the stars. With a dedicated team and ever-supportive clients, we achieved Fear Free Practice Certification. Not only is our entire team trained to use fear free techniques, but our practice itself embodies fear free principles in our design, management, and in every veterinary service.
What is Fear Free and Why is it Important?
Fear Free is an organization dedicated to empowering veterinary professionals and owners to take fear out of veterinary visits and even everyday life. Fear Free offers certification for both individual professionals and whole practices. A commitment to the Fear Free Approach means your pet receives care that appeals to not only their physical well-being, but their emotional and mental health as well.
What You Can Expect from a Fear Free Practice
At a Fear Free Practice, your pet’s comfort is our priority. We work to address and then eliminate stress triggers. From the moment they walk through our doors, the Fear Free Approach is at work. There is calming music playing the moment you arrive. We also have divided areas in the lobby to separate cats and dogs and will move your pet into an exam room as soon as possible. If your pet must wait a short time in the lobby, we have Adaptil sprayed bandanas for our canine friends and Feliway sprayed towels to cover the carrier of our feline friends. Some of our other fear free techniques include:
- Avoiding direct eye contact with dogs when we first meet them (as they could take it as a threat)
- Allowing cats to stay in their carrier for exams (simply removing the top give us the access we need)
- Using low-stress handling techniques
- Examining pets where they’re comfortable whether on the table, floor, or even in our laps
- Employing food motivation for distraction
- Using pheromone sprays and diffusers to keep your pet calm
- And so much more
If your pet is overly anxious at their visit, we can recommend nutraceuticals or prescribe pharmaceuticals to reduce their fear, anxiety, and stress on their next visit. Each pet is unique, so we adjust our techniques to suit their individual needs.
Schedule a Fear Free Exam
Even if your pet has been nervous at other veterinarians, we're different. At Hanover, they'll experience a comfortable, relaxing veterinary experience. Request an appointment today to experience the fear free difference!