Fear Free Mission Statement

Why is Fear Free care important?

At March Animal Hospital we help you and your pet maintain a long, healthy, and happy life through Fear Free
methods, compassion and above all, great medicine. Just like people, our pets can have stress which, in turn, can be a
precursor to certain illnesses. Going to our doctor is an important part of taking care of ourselves- just as it is for our pets, but
doctor visits can be nerve wracking for everyone! Our own doctors may have a waiting area with dim lighting, calm music and
a smiling receptionist to help us relax. This is why we have dedicated ourselves to being a Fear Free Certified Practice.

What does it mean to us?

The goal of Fear Free is to “take the pet out of petrified” by providing ongoing training and education for the whole
team. We know everyone is different and the same is true for your pets so we will customize stress- relieving plans for your
visit/s with us. Additionally, we can offer guidance on how to use at home Fear Free tips.
Starting at home there are many options to help with anxiety and stress; from enrichment play to utilizing calming
pheromones. You can try calming music, warm towels, and catnip for our feline friends, high reward treats, or even oral
medications for those very nervous pets. When you arrive at our hospital our team will have calming music, a ready exam
room, lots of love and treats (bring them hungry when you can!). Our nurses and veterinarians have received ongoing
training with gentle handling and behavior to be able to give your pet a positive, calm and rewarding visit. When your pets
are happy, so are we! It’s a win for everyone.

Benefits of a Fear Free Certified Practice

A Fear Free certified practice is beneficial as our goal is to lower as much stress as possible for everyone involved.
Fear Free is not just for the emotional and physical well being of pets, but it also reduces stress for owners, which makes
bringing your pets in for the wellness visits easier. Additionally, Fear Free pets are more relaxed and less stressed during
exams, which make it safer and healthier for our team. We want you and your pets to have a positive visit with us so we all
benefit from the Fear Free experience. If you have any questions about how we may customize your Fear Free visit please
give us a call or you can visit Fear Free Happy Homes website for more information.