Hundreds of veterinary professionals register to free pets from fear, restore joy of practice
Denver, Colo. – Is freeing pets from stress and anxiety when they’re at the veterinarian an idea whose time has come? If the first month since the debut of Fear FreeSM professional certification is any measure, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
“We had over 800 veterinary professionals register and 110 complete the certification course in the first month alone,” said Fear Free founder Dr. Marty Becker. “Seeing this become a reality for the profession I love is the pinnacle of my nearly 37 years as a veterinarian.”
The very first veterinarian to complete the certification was Dr. Kathryn Primm of Dr. Kathryn Primm of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee, who finished the 8-module course and successfully passed the certification exam at 4:15 AM the day certification launched.
“I’ve wanted something like this for a long time,” Dr. Primm said. “No veterinary professional likes to force unwelcome experiences onto an animal, and now we can make sure that no longer happens. We can make sure every animal gets the care he needs, without the burden of fear and anxiety.”
Individual Fear Free professional certification launched on March 31, 2016. The RACE-approved course qualifies for nine hours of continuing education credit and is designed for all individuals employed at a practice from veterinarians, to technicians, to customer service representatives, to practice managers.
To become certified, participants must complete a comprehensive online educational course and exam created by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and boarded veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods. Certified practitioners will receive the knowledge and tools required to start implementing Fear Free in their practices.
“This isn’t just another practice management or behavior course,” said Dr. Becker. “This is a movement to return us to the love of animals and joy of practice that we all started out with, but most of us lost at some point.”
Dr. Primm feels the same way. “To see a dog who used to hide under his owner’s chair come out with an expectant look when I walk in is as good for me as it is for him,” she said. “Now, maybe owners won’t have to say they’re going to the V-E-T anymore, because animals won’t dread their visits!”
Individual veterinary professionals can register now to become certified at www.fearfreepets.com. Registration gives professionals access to a variety of benefits including webinars, videos, and podcasts; a private Facebook group; a list of Fear Free vendors with special pricing; and an online community on VetFolio.com, where experts will answer questions and share best practices.
What’s around the corner is equally exciting. “We’ll be launching practice certification in 2018,” said Dr. Becker. “We have a variety of additional CE programs in the works, like Fear Free Puppies and Kittens, Fear Free Training, and courses and programs for Fear Free animal shelters, homes, and more.”
About Fear Free
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear FreeSM initiative aims to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams. The end result? Calmer, more accepting patients, more compliant clients, and better veterinary care. Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com.
