Higgins' Corner

Fear Free Certified!

Have You Heard? 9 of our staff members are now “Fear Free Certified”! Way to go Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic!

What is fear free you ask? Well, all of us at PVC want to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and their owners when visiting our clinic. So, we utilize fear free and anxiety reducing techniques when handling and treating your pet.

How do we make visits to Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic fear and stress free?

Here are a few of our techniques:

• We minimize stress by eliminating restraint.
• Using food treats throughout your pet’s appointment.
• Massaging your pet during their appointment.
• Using environmental stress relievers such as music and pheromone diffusers placed throughout the hospital.
• Early use of sedation for the pets that need it.
• Using anti-anxiety medication when needed.
• Waiting in the quiet environment of an exam room instead of the waiting area

Of course, I make all visits less stressful for humans! Chuckle…..

Our goal at Portsmouth Veterinary Clinic is to hear pets say “we love the fear free and stress free visits we have with the veterinarians and staff at PVC!” If you have any questions about fear free and stress free techniques and how they may help your pet, please give one of our staff members a call. Your pets will thank you for it.

Love Higgins