Veterinary visits are a major source of fear and stress for many companion animals, and fear-free approaches significantly improve welfare and compliance.
Veterinary anxiety is a self-reinforcing welfare problem: fearful animals have stressful visits, which makes future visits more fearful, which may cause owners to avoid necessary veterinary care, which worsens health outcomes. Breaking this cycle requires investment from veterinary practices in modified environments and handling techniques, from owners in pre-visit preparation and carrier training, and from veterinary professionals in the willingness to slow down, use food rewards, and sometimes end a procedure before it is complete to prevent fear escalation. Animals that associate veterinary visits with positive experiences are healthier, safer to treat, and better cared for across their lives.