What is Fear Free and why is it important? Fear Free is an approach recognizing the importance of your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. The Fear Free certification is a process for ensuring each veterinary visit is as positive as it can be.

What does this mean for you and your companion?

• Fear Free visits begin when you treat your carrier, car and companion prior to your visit.
• Fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) are reduced by using calming pheromones in the lobby and exam rooms. Pheromones are chemical substances released by animals to trigger a social response in members of the same species. 
• Feline patients are greeted with pheromone-treated towels to help reduce their anxiety and become calm.
• Canine patients can don a pheromone-treated bandana to reduce FAS.
• Patients enter exam rooms as soon as possible to promote calmness.
• The principles of “compassionate approach” and “gentle restraint” are used to reduce FAS.
• Your companion’s favorite treats or toys can come with you to make the visit more comfortable.
• High-value treats and attention are used to create a positive visit for all.

Adopting the Fear Free philosophy allows veterinary staff to make every visit a positive experience for you and your companion. 

Northside Animal Hospital is undertaking the rigorous process of practice certification in 2019. We will keep you apprised of our progress. Please join us in embracing veterinary care as free of fear, anxiety and stress as possible. We are happy to discuss details with you at any time or to find out more, visit fearfreehappyhomes.com.