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Your Loving Vet In Portland, OR

Pet Fear Free Care

Fear Free is a set of training guidelines for trainers, pet owners, and veterinary professionals on how to lessen stress, anxiety, and fear in animals. Our Portand veterinarians discuss the Fear Free animal care tenets and what they entail for both you and your pet.

cute kitten in someone`s hand
checking dogs teeth

We Provide Fear Free Animal Care

When working with our patients, our veterinary staff incorporates low-stress and Fear Free practices.

How We Implement Fear Free

The Fear Free philosophy permeates every aspect of our veterinary facility and is given the same level of importance as our patients’ medical care. We carry out the following actions prior to and throughout each appointment in collaboration with our patients and their representatives.

A Calm, Quiet Environment

We try our utmost to maintain a tranquil and serene environment at our veterinary clinic.

Our patients are put into their exam room immediately upon arrival to prevent additional stress associated with waiting rooms.

As dogs and cats are frequently sensitive to loud noises and quick movements, our veterinary team will remain calm, speak in low voices, and approach the pet in a leisurely, careful manner during the session.

Planning Ahead

Starting at home is the first step to a vet visit devoid of fear. If your pet becomes anxious upon visiting the vet, please let us know. We can offer advice on what to do at home to prepare for the visit. Before the appointment, it may be possible to send nutrients or medications home to help with motion sickness or to lessen anxiety at the veterinarian.

If your pet becomes anxious while entering the lobby or when around new people or animals, please let us know. You are welcome to wait in your car or in the waiting area outside before entering the examination room. We can help with a number of entrances.  Also, tell us if your pet responds better to male or female veterinarians.

Good Communication Between Pets & People
We begin by comprehending and recognising the stress signals that pets provide to us.

These indicators might range from tense facial expressions or dilated pupils to snarling, hissing, or a tucked tail, to mention a few.

We also talk to the owner about the pet’s recognised stressors, which may include noises, smells, discomfort, medical conditions, and strange persons.

We can better manage their stress during visits if we get to know our canine and feline patients, understand what stresses them out, and learn how they express that stress.

If anything is causing the family any fear, stress, or anxiety (FAS), we want them to speak up and let us know. We can assist!

Treats & Toys

There are snacks all over the hospital. If your cat or dog needs a particular diet, please bring treats or food with you to the appointment. If your pet or household member has dietary restrictions or allergies please let our team know.

Medication For Stress and Anxiety

Our staff members have received training in attentive behaviour and low-stress handling methods. As diversions, we offer toys, food, and petting. Our staff will give families instructions on how to participate in their pet’s care, lowering stress for your pet and ensuring staff and family safety throughout the operation.

If you know your pet is anxious or stressed when seeing the veterinarian, please make us aware when scheduling your appointment. We can provide medication to give before your pet’s visit to make the experience as stress-free as possible.