Since its founding in 2016, Fear Free has revolutionised how veterinary care is delivered by focusing on the emotional well-being of pets. Fear Free provides extensive training to veterinary professionals, offering expert guidance on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

Fear Free courses are designed and led by some of the world’s most respected veterinary experts, including behaviourists, anaesthesiologists, pain management specialists, and more. By using the latest research and practical techniques, Fear Free helps veterinary teams stay at the cutting edge of pet care, emphasising not only physical health but also emotional wellness.

In a world full of misleading pet information, Fear Free places trusted veterinary professionals at the forefront, ensuring that pets receive the highest quality of care. By focusing on the needs of pets and their owners, Fear Free has become a game-changer in veterinary care, improving the experience for both pets and humans.

At Great Western Animal Hospital, we understand that a visit to the vet can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet. That’s why we’ve embraced Fear Free practices—an approach specifically designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during your pet’s veterinary visit.

Fear Free techniques focus on making your pet feel safe and comfortable. This involves creating a calm environment, using gentle handling, and offering plenty of positive reinforcement such as treats, toys, and praise. Our team is trained to recognise signs of stress in your pet and adapt our approach accordingly, ensuring that their emotional well-being is as much a priority as their physical health.

By reducing fear and anxiety, we help your pet have a more positive experience with us, which can lead to better overall health and happier vet visits. Whether it's through soothing music, pheromone therapy, or simply allowing more time to help your pet relax, we’re committed to making every visit as comfortable as possible.

Your pet’s comfort and care are our top priorities. We’re proud to provide a Fear Free experience, so both you and your pet can feel more at ease when it comes to veterinary care.

Our veterinarians, nurses, and receptionists are specially trained to recognise and manage signs of anxiety in pets. As Fear Free certified professionals, our team is part of a community who focus on making each visit a positive experience for both you and your pet.

Our goal is to help you and your pet feel as comfortable as possible, whether you’re at home, on the way to our clinic, or here with us. By minimising or removing common stress triggers, we aim to:

• Provide a calm, welcoming environment at the clinic and reduce fear-based behaviours
• Equip you with tips for smoother, more relaxed travel to and from the clinic
• Deliver a high standard of care that prioritises both physical and emotional well-being
• Ensure the safety and comfort of pets, clients, and our veterinary team

Our commitment to Fear Free care allows us to deliver exceptional medicine in a setting that feels safe and supportive for you and your pet. We’re here to make each visit a stress-free journey

1. Preparing for the Vet visit

2. How to make the trip to the Vet Hospital Fear Free

3. How to manage a Fear Free return home