Our Fear Free Visits in Fishers, IN
Does your dog become anxious at the thought of a trip to the vet? Does your cat struggle with fear during veterinary visits? Many pets experience fear, anxiety, and stress (often shown by trembling) when visiting the vet. At Fishers Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to have Fear Free Certified professionals on our team who work to eliminate that stress. With our approach, we aim to make your pet’s visits calm and comfortable. Our team at Fishers Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to creating a more positive experience for your pet.


What Does Fear Free Certified Mean?
The Fear Free initiative was developed by Dr. Marty Becker to transform the veterinary experience into one that promotes relaxation and comfort for pets. The approach uses gentle handling techniques and an environment designed to calm pets. By lowering stress and anxiety, we’re able to provide veterinary care in a way that’s less overwhelming for your pet. Our Fear Free Certified Professionals use various methods to make visits to our hospital less stressful for you and your pet. These strategies aim to reduce anxiety and create a more positive experience for patients. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Gentle Handling Techniques: Using gentle techniques that avoid sudden movements or force to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during exams and procedures. Using calming voice tones and maintaining a calm demeanor can also help pets feel more at ease.
- Treats and Positive Reinforcement: Offering high-value treats, like soft snacks or small pieces of a favorite food can create a positive association with your pet’s visit. Treats can be given during check-ins, exams, and even vaccinations to help distract pets and make their experience more pleasant.
- Creating a Comfortable Environment: Using pheromone sprays or diffusers (such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs) that mimic natural calming scents.
- Slow and Gentle Approaches: Allowing pets time to acclimate to new surroundings and allow them to explore the exam room or equipment before any examination begins. This can make pets feel more secure and less apprehensive about what will happen next.
- Clear Communication with Pet Owners: Provide guidance to pet owners on how to prepare your pet for visits, including bringing your pet’s favorite blanket or toy, practicing crate training, or arriving at a less busy time of day.
All of our Fear Free Certified team members have completed a specialized training program that equips them to follow comprehensive protocols. We’re proud to have dedicated professionals on our team who are committed to making each visit a more pleasant experience for your pet.