The veterinary environment is an historically stressful and sometimes scary place for pets, and fearful, anxious, or nervous behavior at the veterinary clinic has long been accepted as normal. But, a growing understanding about pet emotions and behavior—and their impact on overall health—has forged a new and transformative movement in veterinary medicine known as Fear Free.™

As part of our commitment to your pet’s complete health, Aloha Veterinary Hospital embraces and incorporates Fear Free principles and practices into our patient care. From the lobby to the exam room, you and your pet will experience a new breed of veterinary medicine services that considers your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

What is Fear Free certification for veterinary professionals?

Fear Free is an educational initiative designed to prevent and relieve pet fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary practices and other pet-related facilities (e.g., animal shelters, and training, boarding, daycare, and grooming facilities) and ultimately promote a healthier, happier life. 

To become Fear Free-certified, veterinary teams must complete an online training program that includes lectures and videos on the Fear Free theory and its practical skills, and pass a comprehensive final examination. Every Fear Free-certified professional or veterinary practice must also satisfy a continuing education requirement to maintain their Fear Free-certified status. 

More than a feeling—fear, anxiety, and stress affect your pet’s health

As part of our Fear Free certification, the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team has been trained to monitor every patient for fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). These emotions are more than unpleasant for your pet—they can have a real and long-lasting impact on their physical and emotional health, as well as their quality of life.

Stress, which includes fear and anxiety, triggers a cortisol increase and activates the sympathetic nervous system (i.e., fight, freeze, or flight response). Persistent or chronic stress can lead to body changes, including:

  • Reduced immunity
  • Poor wound or incision healing
  • Increased infection risk
  • Shortened life-span
  • Altered personality, learning, or behavior
  • Hypersensitivity (i.e., the pet becomes increasingly fearful of their surroundings)
  • Decreased cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, respiratory and renal health

Also, because transporting fearful pets to the veterinary clinic is more challenging for pet owners, and restraint, examination, and treatment is more difficult for veterinary professionals, a high FAS can mean your pet does not receive necessary and effective care. 

The Fear Free difference—what to expect at your pet’s visit

The best way to illustrate Fear Free’s value and impact on pet health is to explain our approach to the traditional veterinary visit. Each step in your pet’s veterinary care is designed to prevent or reduce FAS, and create new and positive associations. 

 You will note some key differences when you visit Aloha Veterinary Hospital, including:

  • Pre-visit planning — When you schedule your appointment, we’ll ask about your pet’s likes and dislikes. For example, for pets with transportation-related stress (e.g., riding in the car or carrier), our team can provide helpful tips or prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
  • Respect for your pet’s space — Fear Free-certified professionals can read your pet’s body language and will respond appropriately. For example, our team members will turn to the side when greeting your pet, because a straight-on approach can intimidate and threaten many dogs and cats. If your pet is nervous or cowering under your chair, we likely will leave them be while we discuss their recent history and health, which allows the pet to approach us on their own without feeling cornered. 
  • Gentle examination — Your pet’s examination will take place wherever they’re most comfortable, including on the floor, a non-slip mat, or your lap, or in their carrier. Our veterinarian will begin by examining their least-threatening areas (i.e., generally the abdomen or rear) and finish with the head and face. Throughout the examination, we’ll maintain continuous contact with your pet to provide gentle reassurance.
  • Food distractions — Eating naturally reduces stress and is a powerful way to communicate with pets. We’ll use high-value food rewards (e.g., peanut butter, cheese spread, tuna, chicken, wet food) to build trust, create positive associations, and distract your pet from unfamiliar or unpleasant procedures (e.g., temperature-taking, nail trims).

If your pet has dietary restrictions or food sensitivities, please bring food or treats that our team will use.

  • Clean, quiet atmosphere — Pets are highly sensitive to unfamiliar smells and sounds, so we strive to maintain a low-noise hospital and we disinfect all pet areas and equipment between patients. 
  • Reduced FAS triggers — Our appointment scheduling, hospital design, and workflow are orchestrated to lower or prevent pets from experiencing known FAS triggers. Examples include:
  • Minimized wait times — The lobby can be a stressful area for pets. Whenever possible, we’ll perform most tasks (e.g., check-in, scheduling, and payment) in the exam room.
  • Visual barriers — Visual stimuli, such as unfamiliar pets, people, and medical equipment, can be threatening, so our team uses towels, blankets, physical positioning, and traffic flow, if necessary, to minimize visual contact.
  • Calming pheromones — Pheromones are natural chemical messengers that send comforting signals to pets, and we apply pheromone sprays to bedding, towels, and patient areas to help pets feel safe and relaxed.

Fear Free certification is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to providing the highest quality veterinary medicine with a compassionate and considerate approach to your pet’s physical and emotional needs. Don’t let fear and anxiety hinder your pet’s health—schedule an appointment at our Aloha Veterinary Hospital and experience the Fear Free difference.