'FEAR FREE' clinic has all the tails wagging

North Shore Veterinary Hospital trains staff to put animals first

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MADELEINE SURGES

Does the idea of bringing your pet to the vet scare you as much as it may scare your animal? If so, you’re not alone. Many animals — and owners — experience anxiety during medical exams. In some cases, the mere motion of getting out the cat crate or grabbing the leash for the car ride may send the animal into a panic. And if anxiety weren’t enough of a worry, the reason for the visit also can make the situation difficult for pets and owners alike.

The trauma can create a vicious cycle that leaves owners wondering if it’s even worth it to continue going. If owners could calmly explain to their pets what was going to happen, it would solve many problems. But of course they can’t, meaning for many pet owners, it continues to be a traumatic experience, and the vet clinic continues to be a place the animal hates.

Duluth’s North Shore Veterinary Hospital is attempting to reduce or prevent this anxiety with a specific, nationwide program. “Fear Free” was founded by Dr. Marty Becker, who has been deemed “America’s Veterinarian” on various popular talk shows. Fear Free provides online and in-person education for pet owners, veterinarians, groomers, trainers, veterinarian technicians, assistants and other professionals.

The North Shore clinic was the first in the Northland (and seventh in North America) to have a fully Fear Free certified clinic. Owner Dr. Michael Hargrove is one of the seven fulltime veterinarians on staff. He was delighted that his staff completed this training and received the certification.

“It’s really exciting to be the first fully certified clinic in Minnesota,” he said. “My staff and I have worked really hard for this, but in the end, we want all animals to be happy and healthy wherever they get their treatment from. Getting this certification doesn’t mean all the other clinics aren’t practicing wonderful medicine. In fact, I hope that more clinics in our area become fully certified, so all animals can have that benefit.”

North Shore Veterinary Hospital completely remodeled its clinic to take on this new status. Along with expanding the physical space, the staff also had to change their daily practices from the beginning of the visit to the end.

“From floor to ceiling, we were thoughtful of the pet’s experience,” Hargrove said. “We have non-slip flooring, so dog’s nails won’t catch and cause them to slip as they become more anxious.”

The clinic features separate dog and cat wings so the animals won’t come into contact with each other, soundproof insulation in exam rooms, windows that allow natural light, and mobile tables so animals don’t have to be lifted to be examined.

Walking into the clinic, patients are greeted by a peaceful fountain on the wall, friendly staff, and no waiting area. Animal are taken directly into exam room with little-to-no contact with other animals.

“It’s all about making the animal feel safe, and a waiting room allows animals who may not get along to become agitated and stressed. We wanted to eliminate that,” Hargrove said.

Becoming a Fear Free certified clinic wasn’t easy. Each member of the staff had to go through training on their own time. Lisa Wenholz, one of the NSVH veterinary technicians, said she’s pleased with how Fear Free has changed the way she and her co-workers practice medicine.

“Fear Free adds more positivity to our patient’s experience,” she said. “The addition of pheromones being diffused into rooms and sprays has assisted in creating a calming environment. We have had many owners comment on how their pet seems much less anxious than in the past.”

The clinic provides a house call service for pets who have severe anxiety or may not be able to travel well. They also perform euthanasia for pets in whatever place is most desired by owners during that difficult time.

“After my dog was hit by a car, I was really worried, and didn’t know where to go,” said Tally Gruetzmacher, who brought her dog Nala in after the accident. “Living in Lakeside, NSVH was closest to me. They handled the whole situation very calmly, and I was really impressed given the stressful environment that comes with emergencies. They were very kind, in a genuine way, and made me feel at ease.”

Kyia Plummer, a former vet tech who has been certified through the program, brings her animals to NSVH.

“The overall atmosphere is great,” she said. “Working in the veterinary field for over five years, I have visited a lot of clinics, but NSVH is truly one that puts the animals first.”

But what can people do when their specific practices may not offer a Fear Free approach? Educate themselves about pet anxiety, Hargrove said. He suggested that pet owners do as much of the calming on their own as they can, for example, by leaving the cat crate out a few days before a visit.

NSVH offers house calls to their patients, which is convenient for older animals, or those who are incredibly anxious to travel.

“This isn’t something I want to just have at NSVH,” Hargrove said. “I love that we are the first in Minnesota, but I want this to be a common thing for all practices, so pets are getting the least stressful, loving care they can.”

Tips can be found at fearfreehappyhomes.com. This forprofit website offers different levels of membership and educates pet owners. From acquainting a new animal with their home, to trimming nails, to helping senior animals with comfort, the website provides knowledge to all pet owners and vet clinics, certified or not.

“The reality is, we can do all of our low-stress and Fear Free techniques, and the pet may still be stressed and anxious. Our No. 1 goal is to take care of animals, and their owners,” Hargrove said. — MDT

Madeleine Surges is a Duluth freelance writer.