fear free veterinarian

We’re a Fear Free Certified Practice in Clifton Park, NY

Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park is proud to be a Fear Free Certified Practice. This means our entire hospital is designed and operated with your pet’s comfort and well-being in mind.

When your pet is calm and comfortable, they are able to tolerate being gently handled and treated on a regular basis by our team, and as a result, they’ll stay healthier year after year. Our Fear Free Certified Professionals are dedicated to making our practice a place that nurtures and cares for your pet, so they can remain a happy and healthy member of your family.

See the Fear Free difference by making an appointment today!

Why is Fear Free Important?

As a Fear Free Certified Practice, we dedicate ourselves to alleviating anxiety in our patients during their vet visits. This makes them more relaxed and receptive to treatment, and more likely to enjoy better health in the long run. Pets that are stressed are more fearful, which makes getting them into the car and to the vet a challenge. This challenge can prevent pets from receiving the care they need. Fear Free can fix this, improving the health of dogs and cats and helping them develop a more positive relationship with their veterinarian. At its core, Fear Free is about increasing the length and quality of your pet’s life, and helping them build a stronger bond with your family.

Fear Free Pet Owner Resources

You can become a Fear Free-savvy pet owner using the resources provided below.
Click on each link to see an article that will help you incorporate Fear Free into your pet’s life.

How to Make the Trip to the Veterinary Hospital Fear Free

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit

How to Manage a Fear Free Return Home

How to Pill Your
Pet with Kindness

Giving Medications
to Your Pet

Preventing
Separation Anxiety

What Makes a Fear Free Vet Visit Different from a Regular Visit?

There are many things that set Fear Free vets apart from others.
Here are some of the most noteworthy:

1. Pets will have species-specific waiting areas, or will have the option to wait with their owner in the car away from other animals and then be taken directly to an exam room.

2. We eliminate slick, cold surfaces in favor of warm, non-slip surfaces like yoga mats and warm towels.

3. To induce relaxation in our patients, we use artificial cat and dog pheromones, along with aromatherapy diffusers and low, pet-friendly music for a calming effect.

4. When your pet first arrives, our team members will avoid making direct eye contact with them. We’ll focus on you instead, and give your pet time to assess their surroundings and get used to the new people before giving them our attention.

5. Treats are a great distraction for pets and make for a tasty reward following treatment. We recommend bringing your pet when they’re hungry so they’ll be more enthusiastic about getting treats!

6. Who knew the color of our walls could help reduce stress in pets? Soft pastel colors are more soothing than the overwhelming bright white often seen in clinical settings.

7. Along with using treats as a distraction, we also use toys to make pets more comfortable.

8. Instead of taking pets to “the back,” we treat them right there in the exam room when possible so your pet won’t be separated from you.

9. For pets that need a little extra help staying calm, we can prescribe anti-anxiety medications or supplements to make their car ride and vet visit a little easier.

10. Our team members are trained to observe your pet’s emotional responses for signs of fear and anxiety, and find ways to reduce that fear and make future visits even less stressful.

fear free vet in Clifton Park, NY
Young Dog with its Ear Up

Fear Free Happy Homes

Fear Free Happy Homes provides you with access to the best and latest Fear Free information, so you can give your companion the happiest, healthiest, fullest life. Fear Free Happy Homes offers an extensive content library with educational tips and tricks in the form of videos, veterinary behaviorist-reviewed articles, and downloadable handouts. You can also get discounts on pet services and products!