The “Fear Free” Movement

Dr. Marty Becker is the founder of Fear Free, Taking the “pet” out of “petrified,” whose mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. They do this by using programs and courses to provide veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities and pet owners with the knowledge and tools to look after both a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing. With completion of online courses and testing in the following areas, a veterinarian has the option to become a Fear Free Certified Professional:

• Reducing or removing anxiety triggers that can cause pets to become fearful at home, in transport, and at the veterinary hospital

• Helping owners deliver calm pets to the hospital

• Enhancing the quality of medicine in the practice

• Increasing compliance

• Improving safety for the veterinary team

There are also Fear Free practices where Fear Free is implemented into all aspects of the practice’s business—from culture and leadership to facility and patient visits. In addition to compliance with Fear Free standards, those practices also receive on-site visits to review their achievement.

Technicians, customer service staff, practice managers, trainers, groomers, pet sitters are also eligible to become Fear Free Certified. They learn ways to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety when dealing with animals relative to their trade.

For the pet owner, Fear Free’s website, fearfreepets.com, provides a wealth of information on a variety of subjects.

• Fears and Anxieties

• Veterinary Care

• Training and Grooming

• New Pets

• Senior Pets

• Travel and Safety

• Life at Home

• Activities and Enrichment