What is a Fear Free Clinic

Frequently asked questions about the visit:

Do we use sedation or "give them some gas" to relax them?

Yes probably sooner than later. The reason for this is the stress - factor . If we see the fear is going up and treats, tone of voice, quiet room, music, essential oils, or pheromones are not decreasing the anxiety then we would suggest this. If the visit can not be rescheduled to a different day or time, then we would suggest this option. Are main concern is for the pet's comfort. If we are to establish a trust with your family member then forcing the issue is going to get us the opposite response.

What do you mean by "give them some gas"?

We use Sevoflurane at the clinic. This is one of newer inhalational anesthetic and is used in the pediatric ward of hospitals. It is inhaled and allows the pet to relax quickly ie. within 30-60 seconds and get up just as quickly. It is not metabolized so as soon as the pet is removed from the anesthetic the pet starts to recover. Usually the pet walks out of the clinic within a few minutes.

How does this help with future visits?

By using this method right away when the pet shows stress that is not responding to other methods, the pet is relaxed and recovered without any memory of the event. Future visits do not induce as much stress or anxiety.

Can I help with my pet?

We would like to take the pet in back due to better lighting and supplies. Actually most pets do better without their family. The anxiety the pet feels can be from the pet parent. Animals have good natural verbal and visual cues they depend. They look to you for guidance and any change in the tone of your voice, or shift of your stance, or change in facial expression can signal danger. Our pets know us so well and so with the family member not present most of the time the pet is more calm. They depend on their cues not the family members cues.