Certified Fear Free Professionals
Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professionals in Round Rock, TX
Helping Your Pet Feel More Comfortable at the Vet
At Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness in Round Rock, Texas, we understand that veterinary visits can be stressful for pets. That's why every team member of our team is a Fear Free Certified Professional, with training in recognizing and reducing fear, anxiety and stress in anaimals. We use these principles to guide our approach to every patient.
What Is Fear Free Veterinary Care?
Fear free is a science-based approach that focuses on reducing fear, anxiety and stress while supporting pets' emotional and physical well-being. Our team applies these principles by:
- Recognizing stress signals and responding to your pet's body language
- Using a gentle approach, minimizing unnecessary restraint whenever possible, and using positive reinforcement
- Creating positive associations with treats, toys and praise when appropriate.
- Adapting to individual needs by adjusting our approach based on your pet's comfort level
- Considering additional support, such as veterinarian-recommended pre-visit medication when appropriate
What To Expect During Your Pet's Visit
Our team considers your pet's comfort throughout their appointment. We strive to bring pets into an exam room as soon as possible rather than having them wait in the lobby, where unfamiliar animals, sounds and smells can add stress. Depending on their needs, we may adjust handling techniques, offer treats, or take a more gradual approach to examinations.
Our exam rooms are set up with your pet's comfort in mind. We have separate dog and cat rooms, and each room uses calming pheromones specific to dogs or cats. White noise machines to help soften or mask unfamiliar sounds from the hospital, which can help create a calmer environment. We also offer checkout directly in the exam room, allowing you to finish your visit without waiting at the front desk.
Our goal is to provide the care your pet needs while prioritizing their comfort and safety whenever possible.
Helping Your Pet Prepare For A Calmer Visit
A little preperation at home can make the veterinary visit less stressful.
For Dogs
- Practice short, positive car rides
- Use a secure travel harness or an appropriately sized crate
- Bring familiar treats, a favorite toy, or blanket
- Let us know about previous travel anxiety or stressful veterinary visits prior to the first appointment
For Cats
- Leave the carrier out at home so it becomes a familiar resting place
- Add soft bedding and familiar scents
- Reward your cat for voluntarily approaching or entering the carrier
- Secure the carrier in your vehicle and consider covering it with a light blanket while maintaining ventilation
Helpful Resources:
Pre-Visit Medication For Anxious Pets
Some dogs and cats need additional support to manage veterinary anxiety. Our veterinarians may recommend pre-visit medication to help reduce stress associated with traveling, handling, or examinations.
If your pet historically becomes extremely anxious during visits or is new to you, but based on their personality you feel medication may be warranted, let us know when scheduling. We can discuss whether medication may be appropriate and provide instructions tailored to your pet.
Always follor your veterinarian's directions for medication, dosage and timing. Never give human medication or change a prescribed does without veterinary guidance.
Lets Make Vet Visits More Comfortable Together
You know your pet best. Sharing what makes them nervous, what comforts them and what has helped during previous visits allows our team to better prepare for their needs.
If your pet experiences fear or anxiety around veterinary care, let us know when scheduling an appointment at Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness in Round Rock, TX.
Our Fear Free Certified team is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that considers your pet's emotional and physical well-being.
