Less Stress Vet Visits

Don't skip out on regular veterinary visits because of stress.

Making Veterinary Visits Less Stressful for Pets

Feline veterinary visits have declined in recent years. Why? Stress for cats and their owners. But cats and their owners aren’t the only ones who feel uneasy. Veterinary visits can cause stress for dogs and other pets (and their people), too!

The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your pet’s care by skipping out on regular veterinary visits because of stress. Our team is committed to making each visit as calm and comfortable as possible for both pets and their families.

Our Approach to Low-Stress Veterinary Care

Several members of the Grace Animal Hospital team have completed Fear Free® Certification training and have shared their knowledge with the rest of our staff. Together, we focus on techniques designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

During a typical visit, you may notice our team using strategies such as:

• Offering tasty treats to distract and reward your pet

• Providing comfortable, non-slip surfaces to improve stability

• Using gentle handling and encouraging pets with happy voices and smiles – never forceful restraint

• Being mindful of your pet’s comfort during procedures like nail trims, and pausing if they are too stressed

• Creating a calming environment with pheromone diffusers and sprays

• Recommending anti-anxiety or calming medications to give prior to a visit if needed

• Postponing or rescheduling an exam/procedure if a pet shows excessive fear, often with medication support for next time

• Using sedation for particularly stressful or painful procedures when it’s in the pet’s best interest

We see the benefits of this kind and considerate approach every day when pets begin to relax, become happier patients, and even look forward to their visits.

Please call us at (704) 853-8866 for more information on the low-stress environment we strive to provide for every pet.