What Fear Free means in practice
Our small-animal team is led by Dr. Holland, with Dr. Cogswell — Fear Free trained handling is the standard for every small-animal visit.
- Unhurried handling
- We let pets set the pace where medicine allows: approach from the side, work on the floor or in a lap, and take breaks.
- Treats as a tool
- Food rewards during exams and vaccines build a positive association. Bring your pet a little hungry.
- Gentle restraint only
- The minimum handling needed, never a wrestling match. If a procedure needs more than that, we talk about sedation instead of force.
- Calmer senses
- Non-slip surfaces, quieter rooms, pheromone support, and as little waiting-room crowding as we can manage for nervous patients.
How you can help
- Carrier training for cats
- Leave the carrier out at home with bedding inside, so it is not the box that only appears on vet day.
- Happy visits
- Stop by for a weigh-in and a treat, no needle involved. Dogs especially learn fast that the building is a good place.
- Pre-visit calming medication
- For truly anxious pets, safe medication given at home before the visit can change the whole experience. Ask us ahead of time.
- Tell us what works
- You know your pet: favorite treats, feared triggers, the hold that works. Tell us and it goes in the record for every visit after.
Fear Free
Anxious dogs
Anxious cats
Low-stress handling
Dr. Holland
