Trying to find a new veterinarian can be a challenge. You want to find someone who will not only take care of your animal, but will also do it in a way that doesn’t induce fear or stress in your pet.
And that is where the Fear Free Certification comes in. Recently, when we were looking for information on the best way to find a new veterinarian, we learned about a certification that actually might offer some peace of mind for pet parents.
When we asked about tips for trying to find a new veterinarian, it was recommended by the owner of Rescued by Training LLC, Kate LaSala, that we find a veterinarian who is Fear Free Certified. But we had never heard of this particular certification so we wanted to learn more about it.
The Fear Free Certification can keep the stress and anxiety out of the vet's office
Fear Free Certification is exactly what it sounds like, a certification of a veterinarian who approaches their practice in a way that is meant to bring the least amount of fear to the table.
According to LaSala, Fear Free Certification is actually something that is being taught nowadays, which means it is still a growing certification program. So while an entire veterinarian's office may not be certified, it is possible that at least one person from the clinic is.
In talking about how to find a Fear Free Certified veterinarian, Kate LaSala explained that, "It can be hard to find entire clinics that are certified but many offices have one vet that is certified. It is a growing certification, but newer grads are being taught about it in school, whereas older grads may not be familiar. To me, it's worth traveling a distance to go to someone that is certified, even if they're not directly in your own town."
On the Fear Free Pets website, they explain that their entire purpose is to help alleviate the stress and fear of a vet visit. And that starts with making sure that the people who are interacting with our pets are trained in a way that allows them to handle the fear and anxiety that a medical visit of any kind can create.
And it is not just veterinarians who can get a Fear Free Certification. It seems that there are other areas of expertise when it comes to our pets that can also get this certification as well. This includes people who work at doggy daycares and boarding facilities, as well as groomers.
While the Fear Free Certification seems to be a growing program, it is definitely something to consider when looking for a new vet. Especially if you or your pet are anxious.