A Fear Free Experience for Your Pet

At Boston Veterinary Clinic, we’re proud to be a Fear Free Certified practice. This means we take extra steps to make every visit as comfortable, calm, and stress-free as possible for your pet.

Our veterinary team has completed specialized Fear Free training to recognize signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and understand how to help reduce them. From the moment you schedule an appointment to the time you head home, we consider your pet’s individual needs and preferences to create a more positive veterinary experience.

Before Your Appointment

We’ll start preparing for a Fear Free visit before you even arrive. For new patients, we’ll ask about your pet’s preferences, personality, and previous veterinary experiences so we can better understand what helps them feel comfortable.

We may also provide resources to help you prepare for a low-stress trip to the clinic. When medically appropriate, we recommend bringing your pet in a little hungry and packing some of their favorite treats to help create positive associations with their visit.

When You Arrive

We understand that the sights, sounds, and smells of a veterinary clinic can sometimes be overwhelming. To help minimize stress, you may be asked to wait with your pet in your car or another quiet area until an exam room is ready.

Your pet may also be offered a calming bandana or blanket treated with pheromones designed to help promote a sense of comfort and relaxation.

During the Visit

Your pet’s comfort comes first. Whenever possible, we’ll examine your pet in the place where they feel most comfortable — whether that’s on the floor, in your lap, on an ottoman, or somewhere else they prefer. We’ll also provide nonslip surfaces to help your pet feel secure.

If medically appropriate, tasty treats may be offered throughout the visit to help create a positive experience. We also work to keep the environment calm and quiet by minimizing unnecessary noise and distractions.

If your pet is experiencing significant fear or anxiety, we may recommend calming medication or supplements to help make their visit more comfortable. In some cases, rescheduling may be the best option to ensure your pet has a more positive experience.

Before You Go

We don’t stop thinking about your pet’s comfort when the appointment ends. Our veterinary team will document your pet’s emotional response, including which treats, techniques, and approaches worked best.

If needed, we’ll also provide recommendations to help make future visits even easier. This may include strategies for preparing at home or discussing calming medications or supplements that can help reduce fear and anxiety.