We Help Pets Have More Relaxed Visits

Do you dread the day of your pet’s annual vet visits? Maybe the last time you brought them to see their veterinarian, they struggled while being treated. The time before that, they urinated all over the floor. And the time before that…well, you get the idea. It’s natural for pets to feel anxious at the vet, but sometimes that anxiety can make it impossible for them to receive treatment of any kind. Thanks to a fairly new initiative, Whitney Veterinary Hospital offers a Fear Free solution to reduce or even eliminate pet anxiety.

The solution: We have multiple staff members undergoing different training levels to become Fear FreeSM Certified Professionals, which means that we implement measures designed to minimize your pet’s anxiety, providing them with a safer, more comfortable experience.

These measures include:

  • Selecting alternative exam locations
  • Use of smaller needles and reduced vaccine doses
  • Low-stress handling
  • Less time in the waiting room
  • Species-specific exam rooms

fear-free2What Is Fear Free?

Supported by AAHA, Fear Free is a program that was developed by Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian.” After his many years of practicing veterinary medicine, and witnessing so many pets with anxiety, he wanted to do more to prevent these negative experiences. That’s when he created the Fear Free certification initiative. This program was designed with the sole purpose of helping veterinary professionals create an atmosphere of trust and gentleness for their patients.

The program includes eight educational modules. For a veterinary professional to be classified as a Fear Free Professional, he/she must complete this course as well as a certification exam. 

Your Pet Is Safe with Us

Your pet’s mental health is just as important to us as their physical health. We want them to feel safe at our practice, and our compassionate staff will go the extra mile to ensure that they feel welcome and secure. If you want to know more about Fear Free and how it can benefit your pet, call us at (309) 685-4707. We’d love to hear from you. You can also go to www.fearfreepets.com.