Fear Free

Fear-Free & Low-Stress Handling Techniques

Our Millbrook vets are dedicated to decreasing stress, anxiety and fear in patients while offering the best medical care possible.

The small things we do to make your pet's vet experience positive include offering treats, toys, mats, and hiding spaces. We also allow cats to stay in their carriers or dogs on their family's lap, pre-visit medications when needed, and modifications in our handling techniques.

Larger Fear-Free and Low-Stress Handling principles have been incorporated into the practices of our animal hospital, including separate cat and dog areas.

We feel that following both big and small Fear-Free and Low-Stress Handling principles, makes our delivery of patient care a more gentle and positive experience for our patients and their owners.

Many of our staff members have worked hard at becoming certified in Fear-Free and/or Low-Stress Handling as part of their dedication to providing outstanding veterinary care.

We think that your pet will appreciate our Fear-Free and Low-Stress approach.

How We Implement Fear Free

Here at Millbrook Valley Animal Hospital, many of our professionals are trained in Fear-Free practices and philosophies. The basic principles of this approach extend throughout the hospital and are prioritized second only to the medical care of our patients.

Our trained staff blend Fear-Free practices with the Low-Stress Handling techniques of Sophia Lin to help all of our patients have a relaxed, stress-free experience whenever they visit us.

We work with our patients and their owners to undertake the following steps before and during each appointment:

• Good Communication Between Pets & People

  We start by understanding and identifying how pets communicate signs of stress to us.

  These signs can include several subtle and obvious signals, from a tense expression or dilated pupils to growling, hissing or a tucked tail — just to name a few.

  We also discuss the pet's known stressors with the owner, which can include sounds, scents, discomfort, disease processes and unfamiliar people.

  Getting to know our canine and feline clients and understanding what stresses them out, and how they communicate that stress, helps us better manage it during their visits.

  We ask the family to speak up if there is something that causes fear, anxiety or stress (FAS). We can help!

• Planning Ahead

  An anxiety-free veterinary appointment starts at home. Let us know if your pet gets stressed going to the vet. We can offer suggestions for things to do at home before the visit. There may be options to send supplements or medication home before the visit to help with car sickness or to help decrease the level of stress at the vet.

  Let us know if your pet gets stressed coming into the lobby or meeting new people or other animals. We can have you wait in the car or our outside waiting area, then come directly into the exam room.

  Let us know if your pet does better with male or female vets.

  Cats and small- to medium-sized dogs should be acclimated to their carriers. This can be accomplished by leaving the carrier out in an area of the home where the pet likes to be. ​Place a towel over the top of the carrier to help create a safe place with familiar scents.

  The carrier should be outfitted with toys, soft, comfortable bedding or a non-slip mat, and should have a top-off option to make it more accessible.

  You can also spray cat or dog pheromones in the carrier or, for larger dogs, onto a bandana.

  When transporting a medium to large dog, be sure to use an approved restraint device in the car. The drive to the vet can be kept low-stress with calm music or silence and y avoiding hard stops or starts. 

  Bring your pet's favourite treats or toys to the visit.

• A Calm, Quiet Environment

  At our veterinary office, we do our best to keep the atmosphere calm, quiet and positive.

  To help reduce your pet's stress in the waiting area, keep cats and dogs separate as much as possible. Cat carriers should be kept off of the floor and on a sturdy table or chair. Keep your dog leashed and close to your side to minimize interaction with other waiting pets.

  When you arrive, you and your pet will receive a warm and friendly welcome. We want you to know that you are important to us.

  As dogs and cats are often sensitive to loud noises and quick movements, during the appointment, our veterinary team will remain calm, speak in quiet voices and approach your pet in a slow, careful manner.

• Treats & Toys

  To encourage a positive experience and decrease fear, stress and anxiety during the visit, rewards such as treats, toys or petting/brushing can be used during an exam or when obtaining diagnostics as long as it is not contraindicated based on why the pet is at the hospital.

  We have treats throughout the hospital, but if your cat or dog is on a special diet, we encourage you to bring their treats or food with you to the visit.

• Sedation & Restraint Options

  Many of our staff members are trained in Low-Stress Handling techniques and a considerate approach. We use treats, petting, and toys as distractions. Families are allowed to be with their pets during procedures (excluding sedation, anesthesia, X-rays and while the hospital is closed). The staff will direct families on how they can play a part in their pet's treatment to ensure lower stress for the animal and to keep staff and family safe during the procedure.

  In some cases, we will reschedule a procedure if the pet is stressed. This allows us to send home medications before performing the procedures.

  If restraint is required during a procedure, our trained staff may use a towel wrap, a muzzle or an Elizabethan collar to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable during the process. A mild sedative may be recommended to make sure that the procedure can be performed safely and is less stressful for the patient.

  If you already know that your pet experiences anxiety or stress when visiting the vet, it may be beneficial for the veterinarian to provide you with a mild sedative to give to your pet at home before an appointment