Fear Free Vet Visits

Making Veterinary Visits Less Stressful for Pets

Feline veterinary visits have declined in recent years. Why? Stress–for cats and their owners. But cats and their owners aren't the only scaredy-cats. Veterinary visits can cause stress for dogs and other types of pets (and their people), too!

The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice your pet's care by skipping out on regular veterinary visits because of stress. Berkeley Veterinary Center was the FIRST practice to gain certification in the state of New Jersey!

In addition to having individual Fear Free certified veterinary professionals on staff, Fear Free Practice Certification requires practice to meet 27 mandatory standards and earn a minimum of 1,070 points out of a possible 2,060 from another 28 standards. Some standards require as many as 9 action items to be met. It was a lot of work meeting the Fear Free Practice standards, but it was a labor of love- and we are so proud to offer this specialized service.

Our Fear Free Certified Team Members Can Help

All members of the Berkeley Veterinary Center team have completed the Fear Free Certification. With this program, we continually learn new ways to make your pet’s healthcare even better. We offer separate dog and cat entrances and waiting areas, the doctors no longer wear white coats, pheromone technology, calming music (specifically made for dogs or cats), and plenty of delectable treats (so bring pets in hungry!)

During a typical Fear Free veterinary visit, you will see our practice team using some of these techniques:

• Offer tasty treats to distract your pet and make them happy.
• Provide comfortable, non-slip surfaces for your pet to stand on thus improving balance.
• Encourage pets with a happy voice, smile, and treats—we never handle them roughly to get them on a table or into a cage.
• Considerate about your pet's comfort when holding them or performing procedures, such as nail trims, and we don't struggle with them.
• Create a calming environment with pheromone diffusers and sprays.
• Prescribe anti-anxiety and calming medications to give before their visit.
• Watch if your pet is showing excessive signs of fear, anxiety, or stress. If needed, we will postpone the exam/procedure until a time when the pet is more relaxed—often sending home medication to give before the next visit.
• Sedate a patient for a scary or painful procedure.

We see the benefits of a kind and considerate approach to pets when they are happy to come to visit us and become calmer patients.

Please call us at (732) 269-3600 for more information on the Fear Free environment we provide pets.