Fear Free Certified Practice!
We are thrilled to finally announce that Clarendon Animal Care is officially a Fear Free Certified Practice!
What does this mean?
If you’ve been to the clinic you’ve probably heard us talk about Fear Free, but if you’re still wondering what exactly Fear Free is and why we think it’s AWESOME, read on!
The Fear FreeSM initiative aims to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams.
Fear Free is a training and certification program developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and board-certified veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods which helps veterinarians and entire practices modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need.
In addition to having individual Fear Free Certified Professionals on staff, Fear Free Practice Certification requires a practice to meet 27 mandatory standards and earn a minimum of 1,070 points out of a possible 2,060 from another 28 standards. Some standards require as many as 9 action items to be met.
Learn more at fearfreepets.com.
What makes Fear Free different?
A Fear Free approach to practicing veterinary medicine means a focus on the balance between physical and emotional health. We pay close attention to the body language signals our patients are using to communicate their comfort level and respect their autonomy, using a considerate approach and gentle control to complete the medical procedures deemed necessary and appropriate based on a patient’s medical and behavioral needs.
Do I need to do anything?
Fear Free starts at home! We’ll be highlighting this in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for more information on what you can be doing to help your pet’s next visit go as smoothly as possible for everyone involved - including you! Your pet’s health and well-being is truly a team effort, and we are so grateful to be a part of that team.
