Making Animal Shelters Fear Free: Free Online Program for Shelter Staff Members and Volunteers Launches Today

DENVER, CO (August 21, 2019) – Can shelter animals be happy and healthy while they wait for new homes? Experts say it’s possible with the right tools and training, including a free online education program for shelter staffers and volunteers launched today by Fear Free, LLC.

Designed by leading experts in shelter medicine and animal behavior, the program will help animal shelters create a Fear Free experience for pets from intake to adoption and beyond. It also provides resources adopters and foster homes can use to promote the emotional wellbeing of the pets in their care and ease the transition to a new environment.

Since 2016, Fear Free has provided online and in-person education to more than 50,000 veterinary and pet professionals. Its mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. Now they’ve launched the Fear Free Shelter Program, available at no cost to all who work and volunteer with shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations.

The course’s lead author is Dr. Brenda Griffin, co-instructor of courses in shelter medicine and animal behavior at both the University of Florida and the University of Georgia. Dr. Griffin was joined by three board-certified veterinary behaviorists with extensive backgrounds in shelters and shelter medicine.

“We created the Fear Free Shelter Program to improve the experiences of animals by educating shelter personnel about the emotional needs of dogs and cats,” said Dr. Marty Becker, founder and CEO of Fear Free. “This program will empower them to apply key concepts, strategies, and techniques designed to reduce the negative emotional states that are commonly experienced by shelter animals, including fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration.”

Fear Free also provides educational materials for pet owners and foster caregivers at FearFreeHappyHomes.com. Videos and other resources are available at no cost and are designed to help all pets live happy, healthy, full lives.

You can learn more about Fear Free and sign up for the Fear Free Shelter Program at www.fearfreeshelters.com.

ABOUT FEAR FREE

Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, animal shelter staff and volunteers, the pet professional community, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Veterinary or pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified® by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access cutting-edge videos, articles, and more that will help improve the physical and emotional health of their pets right at home. Animal shelter team members can visit fearfreeshelters.com to enroll in the complimentary course.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jessica Davis
Marketing and Communications Manager
303.952.0585
Jessica.Davis@fearfreepets.com

Looking for Pet Owner Education?

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