At Anchor Animal Hospital, we are proud to have a Fear Free Certified team and to be working toward our Fear Free Practice Certification. Our doctors, technicians, and client care team are trained in techniques that reduce stress, anxiety, and fear during veterinary visits. By focusing on your dog's emotional well-being as well as their physical health, we make appointments calmer, safer, and more positive for everyone.
Learn more about Fear Free at fearfreepets.com
Understanding FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress)
Pets may not always show fear in obvious ways. Sometimes the signs are subtle, but they still indicate your pet is feeling anxious or stressed. Recognizing these behaviors helps us—and you—take steps to make veterinary care more comfortable.
Subtle signs of FAS in dogs may include:
- Lip licking when not eating
- Yawning outside of a sleepy context
- Sudden scratching or grooming (displacement behaviors)
- Turning the head or body away (avoidance)
- Whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes)
- Holding the tail low or tucked slightly
- Freezing or stiffening the body
- Refusing treats they would normally enjoy
More obvious signs can include:
- Pacing, trembling, or hiding
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Barking, whining, or growling
- Snapping or biting when afraid
Remember: FAS is not about being a "good dog" or a "bad dog." It's about being nervous, uncertain, or scared in a new environment. Many pets experience this at the vet—and that's okay.
Even our own veterinarians and team members have faced FAS with their own pets. We know firsthand how hard it can be to see your pet stressed. That's why we are committed to using Fear Free techniques to help every pet feel safe, supported, and understood.
When You Arrive for Your Appointment
To help keep the waiting room calm and minimize stress: Wait in your car when you arrive.
- Text (508) 996-3731 with your parking spot number and your pet's name.
- A member of our client care team will check you in.
- When your exam room is ready, a technician will escort you and your dog inside.
- Please bring a cell phone to your appointment so we can stay in touch while you wait.
Preparing Your Dog Before the Visit
Fear Free care starts before you leave home. These tips can help your dog arrive more relaxed and ready for a positive experience:
- Hungry is good: If medically appropriate, reduce your dog's meal before the visit. This can help with motion sickness and make treats more rewarding.
- Bring plenty of treats: Use small, pea-sized pieces of your dog's favorites. It's always better to have too many than not enough!
- Pheromones help: Products like ThunderEase (Adaptil) or familiar items from home (like a blanket) can promote calmness. Allow sprays 10–15 minutes to work.
- Leave early: Build in extra time so neither you nor your dog feels rushed.
- Play calming music: Pet-specific playlists or soft music can reduce travel anxiety.
- Temperature check: Pre-warm or pre-cool your car so your pet isn't stressed by sudden temperature changes.
- Using a carrier? Hold it from the bottom for stability, and in the car place it on the floor behind the passenger seat to minimize stress.
Happy Visits
Not every trip to the hospital has to be for treatment. Happy Visits let your dog explore the clinic, get treats, and build positive memories—no exams, no stress.
- Great for puppies learning that the vet can be fun.
- Helpful for older dogs who may need extra confidence.
- Please text or call ahead so we can let you know when the lobby is clear.
Victory Visits
For dogs that need a little more support, we also offer Victory Visits. These are scheduled sessions with a technician to gradually help your pet feel more comfortable in our hospital setting.
- Each visit is designed around your dog's pace and comfort level.
- We use Fear Free techniques like counter-conditioning, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement.
- Victory Visits are especially helpful for pets with a history of fear, anxiety, or stress at the vet.
Think of them as training sessions that help your dog "practice" coming to the vet, so future medical visits are smoother and less stressful. If you think your dog might benefit, talk to our team—we'll help you decide if Victory Visits are the right choice.
Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Every dog is unique, and we want to prepare for your pet's specific needs. Our Pre-Visit Questionnaire helps us identify what may cause stress for your dog and how we can help prevent it.