A Fear Free Mobile Vet is a great alternative to traditional clinics that can be bustling, busy places. These hard-working clinics service large numbers of their local community with pride. However, not every pet can cope with this fast-paced, unfamiliar environment. Sometimes it's unavoidable. But as a responsible pet parent, you understand that they need their physical health attended to, without the bad memories. Maybe your pet might be more comfortable with a mobile vet in the home? Cue Fear Free.
What are the signs my pet needs a Fear Free mobile Vet?
Not every condition or treatment plan can be performed in the home. We work with your pet and regular veterinary team to help integrate a Fear Free plan to get your pet back in the clinic.
Until we can build your pet's confidence and consent communication in the clinic however, if you know your pet gets stressed, or you are seeing particular behavioural signs, then your pet needs tailored, Fear Free mobile vet care.
You might see signs such as:
Barking, growling and other vocalisations
Attempting to bite / scratch
Attempting to escape / get away
Urinating or soiling themselves / pet carrier
Hiding
Shaking
Stiff muscles
Dilated pupils
Panting
Puffing their lips
Freezing (especially cats that are exposed on the examination table)
Whale eye
Grinning
Facial tension
among many other behaviour signals that helps you detect when they're uncomfortable and distressed. This image shows one of our patients displaying multiple signals of discomfort.
Below is a series of posters created by our friends in Gadigal Country (Sydney), the Vet Behaviour Team in conjunction with the amazing illustrator Lili Chin designed to help you detect signs of discomfort in your dog.
What does Fear Free Mobile vet care do differently?
How does your pet have a different experience with a Fear Free Mobile vet team?
Time - unlike regular, busy clinics, we allocate longer to get to know your pet and let them get used to us.
We read YOUR pet's body language - there's no one-size-fits-all approach in Fear Free care. Without overcrowding your pet, the Fear Free vet team will offer them some treats and pats to get to know them & allow your pet to acclimate to our arrival.
Pre-visit arrangements - let us know what your pet's preferences are, for example, meeting a reactive dog in their front yard or across the street instead of in the home.
MANZCVS & Elite Fear Free Certified / Coach - Dr Channy has completed extra qualifications and has dedicated their career and ongoing studies to your pet's wellbeing. Dr Channy also continually educates and passes on their knowledge to the staff they work with; so if there's more than one of us, you know they're Dr Channy approved!
Special handling techniques - some cats like to hide under a towel or be firmly wrapped, in others this can cause panic. We have many ways of approaching your pet with consideration and empathy. Above all, we know when to stop & re-evaluate.
Use of medication - in many cases, the negative experience that pets have had previously with veterinary care can make them go into panic attacks whenever they're presented with anything remotely veterinary. Giving medication before we arrive can be the difference between them receiving veterinary care or going untreated. It's easier to keep a calm pet calm, than try to overcome panic.
Calm, soothing music - your Fear Free vet can optimise the audio environment to minimise stress.
We give them choice - A mobile Fear Free Vet is trained to let a patient say no. If we let them opt out of uncomfortable situations, the more likely they are to say yes. We use cooperative care techniques that are guided by the principles of consent.
Pro Tip: Before your vet arrives, set up the area you would like us to use with your pet’s most comfortable/favourite bed, some comfort toys, treats and spare towels
This is Baby, one of our Humane Animal Rescue patients, who would not be able to go to a regular clinic; home visit was the only option! Notice how Baby side-saddles with her feet to the side, and has turned out front legs - pain is likely a contributing factor to her problematic behaviour!
Calm Pet Vet is committed to minimising the fear and stress animals experience with veterinary care, as well as providing counselling & treatment for your pet’s behavioural problems. We also offer training & upskilling for veterinary teams wanting to take the modern, scientific approach to their patients’ care.
If any of this resonated and you would like more information, drop us an enquiry!
While intended to help any pet parent with an anxious pet, this article is no substitute for a consultation with firstly, a veterinarian to ensure no physical ailments, and secondly, a qualified veterinary behaviour professional to assess your pet(s), their unique triggers, thresholds and capabilities, to offer a treatment plan tailored for success.
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