We are proud to be the first veterinary hospital in Ireland to have a fear free certified veterinarian on our team. Our vets Orlaith O’ Mahony and Jessica Deasy have completed fear free certification. We know it can be stressful for your pet to come to the vet and we want to reduce this anxiety for you and your pet.
We want to change this, that is why we are part of a new initiative designed to ease the stress, fear, and anxiety so many pets experience while at the vet. Fear free is a course which educates vets to provide veterinary care without causing fear, anxiety or stress in our patients. Known as Fear FreeSM, the training and certification program helps veterinarians modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need.
Since the introduction of FearFree at the Animal Care Hospital, we have received great feedback from our clients. Our patients are enjoying this new approach and this ensures we can give you and your pet the best consultation when everyone is relaxed.
Our vet Orlaith O’ Mahony explains how this will impact on how we take care of your pet here at the Animal Care Hospital:
“We are looking after the emotional well-being of the pet as well as the physical health. We will utilise toys, treats and sometimes anti anxiety meds to allow us to provide care without fear. If it takes us fifteen minutes sitting on the floor with toys before your dog will relax and let us examine it so be it or if your cat is happier having it’s blood sample taken in the room with you there that’s what we will do. Whatever takes the fear out of vet visits we will try to do.”
We recommend and implement a range of Fear Free Tips to:
- Bring your pet in for social visits, so they are used to the building and the team.
- We use a variety of techniques to calm our patients, we have a toy box for them to explore, some peanut butter treats and bandanas sprayed with Adaptil.
- If bringing your pet for in for surgery, make sure to bring in some toys or blankets that smell of home to comfort them while they recover.
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free training program was developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and boarded veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods.
This is part of our commitment to you and your pet – we will do our absolute best to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their consults.
“My dog Suzie is almost 12. She has been attending Animal Care Hosp Douglas since we got her at 5 months old. She was recently diagnosed with arthritis. She gets very nervous in the surgery, so Orlaith suggested treating her in my car!! She practises a Fear Free approach. She’s much more relaxed & it makes it easier for everyone. Orlaith even gave her acupuncture in the car 😀. All the staff are so kind & helpful.” Louise Keane
About Fear Free
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, 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. Learn more on the Fear Free Pets website.
If you would like to book a consultation, please call us on 021 489 3033.