OkcPets Magazine January 2022

24 OKC Pets • January/February 2022 Learn How To Reduce Anxiety for People and Pets by Rowena Mills M y little dog Cornelius — who was calm and well behaved at home — howled piteously and pooped in his carrier every time I put him in the car to go to the vet through- out his 14-year life. I talked soothingly to him and stroked his head, but I didn’t know how else to help him get over his fear and nervousness. You probably have stories of your own about your pet’s terror or anxiety during vet visits. It turns out there are ways to help. Individuals and clinics certified by the Fear Free initiative use those methods in their veterinary work every day. The Fear Free philosophy promotes emotional well-being, enrichment, and the reduc- tion of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and improves the experience of every pet and human involved, including the veterinary staff. In 2016, Dr. Marty Becker founded Fear Free, whose motto is “Taking the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified.’” Hundreds of experts in animal behavior, medicine, and handling have helped to develop Fear Free. It has been called one of the single most transformative initiatives in companion animal practice. Fear Free provides online programs and courses for veterinary profession- als and others who work with animals, including owners, so they can gain the knowledge and skill to care for a pet’s physical and emotional well-being. Individuals and veterinary practices can take certification courses at different levels. If a certain percentage of the staff is certified by Fear Free, the veterinary practice itself can apply for certification. A certified practice will have imple- mented the Fear Free philosophy into its culture and leadership, client education, staff training, facility, and patient visits. An on-site visit by a Fear Free veterinari- FEAR FREE F FREE A tense tuxedo kitten retreats to the shoulder of a nearby human on a trip to the vet. Photograph courtesy of OKC Vet Campus.