Fear Free℠ Certified Professionals

Does your dog shake and tremble when it’s time to go to the vet? Does your cat find veterinary hospitals to be a fearful place? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Thousands of dogs and cats exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (shaking is usually one of the first signs) while at the vet. But with Caring Hearts Animal Hospital’s Fear Free℠ certified staff members, you can kiss those days goodbye. Just as the phrase implies, this certification means we make veterinary visits fear free and “stop the shake” for our patients. We are pleased to be one of the only veterinary hospitals in Matthews with Fear Free℠ certified staff members.

fear-free-certified

What Is Fear Free℠?

Fear Free℠ is an initiative that was created by Dr. Marty Becker (America’s Veterinarian) to help pets have a more peaceful veterinary experience. The initiative involves using gentle control techniques and a tender approach to create a calming atmosphere for pets. As a result, stress levels and anxiety are reduced, and better veterinary care can be provided. Some of the calming methods that are used here at Caring Hearts Animal Hospital include:

  • Pre-visit sedation or supplements
  • Extra time for your pet to explore the exam room
  • Pheromones infused throughout the room
  • Calming music in rooms
  • Low and calm voices
  • Provision of treats
  • Option to have your pet examined on floor or on your lap, instead of on table

To be certified as a Fear Free℠ professional, one must complete the Fear Free℠ Certification Program, which consists of various educational modules related to Fear Free protocols. We are very proud to announce that the very first Fear Free℠ certified veterinarian in Matthews was our very own, Dr. White. Registered Veterinary Technician Amanda Morgan is the first Fear Free certified RVT in the Charlotte area.

Fear Free℠ Pet Owner Resources

If you would like to learn more about the Fear Free initiative and how it can help your pet, go to www.fearfreepets.com or give us a call at 704-893-2799. You can also view the following informational videos:

Calming Technique for Cats
Dr. White’s Philosophy on Animal Care

We’re also a Low Stress Handling® Practice

Dr. White and the rest of our team also employ Low Stress Handling® here at Caring Hearts Animal Hospital. We are dedicated to creating a soothing, spa-like environment for our patients and clients to make each visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We are “Zen” when it comes to serving and caring for people and their pets; we take our time for every appointment so you can ask any questions you have and receive thorough, thoughtful responses from your vet. We are not an “in and out” animal hospital, your time is valuable to us.

Visit our Low Stress Handling® page for more details about this special practice, and feel free to call us at 704-893-2799 if you have questions!