DISCOVER The Fear Free Difference

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Why Fear Free?

Fear Free is an approach that promotes compassionate and gentle animal handling. If you have a pet that experiences unease during visits to the veterinarian or even during nail trimming, Fear Free strives to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with these experiences. Pet professionals collaborate with you to create a positive association between your pet and these anxiety-inducing procedures. Rather than anticipating a fearful event, your pet learns that these encounters can be enjoyable and rewarding. They also learn that they have the autonomy to opt-out when they need a break and that the procedure will pause accordingly. This methodology fosters a relationship based on trust and communication with your pet, allowing them to feel as though their voice is being heard. Instead of living in a constant state of fear or anxiety, your pet can exist in a thoughtful mode, enabling them to respond more calmly to their environment.

What is Fear Free?

"Founded in 2016, Fear Free provides online education to veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners. Our courses are developed and written by the most respected veterinary and pet experts in the world, including boarded veterinary behaviorists, boarded veterinary anesthesiologists, pain experts, boarded veterinary internists, veterinary technicians (behavior), experts in shelter medicine, animal training, grooming, boarding, and more.

With all the false (and harmful!) pet information on the internet, Fear Free aims to keep veterinary healthcare teams and pet professionals at the forefront as the true pet health experts. By closely listening to the needs of the profession and those of the new generation of pet owners, Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, providing unparalleled education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and improving the experience of every human and pet involved." -fearfreepets.com

How Does Fear Free Work?

Fear Free Pet Care is an essential component of fostering your pet's emotional and physical well-being. This approach prioritizes effective communication, clearly defined boundaries, and emotional support for your pet. Certified professionals employ their acquired tools to customize each experience according to the pet's individual needs. They establish trust by avoiding aversive techniques and never reprimanding the pets they care for. Instead, they focus on reinforcing positive behaviors.

Over time, pets will learn that they need not respond to stress-inducing situations with fight, flight, or freeze responses. They will recognize that their feelings are being acknowledged and supported, leading to an increase in positive experiences and a more optimistic outlook on specific events. The ultimate objective of Fear Free is to empower your pet using Positive Reinforcement; fostering confidence and comfort. Achieving this requires a collaborative effort among the pet, pet care provider, and pet parent, employing repetition, routine, and predictable behavior to create a Fear Free environment.