Welcome to the Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program – Avian!
Many bird species live for decades longer than their mammalian counterparts. This not only provides opportunity for improvement through training; it emphasizes the importance of preventing our patients from experiencing repeated, unnecessarily stressful events over the course of their lifetime. By embracing the Fear Free approach, we have the power to not only ensure excellent health over their long lifespans, but to increase hospital revenue in a significant way.
The Veterinary Certification Program – Avian teaches you how to use Fear Free concepts to ensure that avian veterinary visits go as smoothly as possible. Video clips and slides show you how to recognize signs of stress in avian patients, how to use simple tools to provide Gentle Control, how to train cooperative behaviors and more.
All this translates into happier birds, improved client compliance, and increased revenue!
The Veterinary Certification Program – Avian encompasses nine one-hour modules, including these topics and more:
Recognizing stress in birds
Identifying fear-inducing stimuli for birds
Unique challenges with avian patients
Exam room design for avian patients
Staff and client education
Fear Free veterinary visits for untrained birds
Handling and examining birds safely
Diagnostic sample collection/procedures, hospitalization, and training within the clinic
Lesson 1: Fear Free: Benefits and Application to Avian Patients After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Explain the physiologic and behavioral effect of stress
Recognize the impact of veterinary visits on animals
Discuss the client and clinical benefits of adopting Fear Free medicine
Lesson 2: Challenges with Avian Fear Free Veterinary Visits After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Address challenges unique to species differences
Address challenges unique to flight capabilities
Address challenges with lack of socialization
Address challenges with neophobia
Address challenges with prior aversive experiences
Address challenges with a low behavioral stress threshold
Address challenges with underlying disease
Address challenges with lack of preventive veterinary care
Lesson 3: Science of Behavior: Reinforcement and Punishment After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Define operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, and negative punishment, and explain how they influence behavior
Identify at least 3 potential reinforcers that can be used in a veterinary setting
Describe why positive punishment should be avoided in the veterinary setting
Lesson 4: Science of Behavior: Classical Conditioning and Desensitization After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Define classical conditioning, counterconditioning, and systematic desensitization
Differentiate between operant and classical conditioning
Explain how systematic desensitization and classical conditioning can be used together
Explain the concept of stress threshold and how it applies to the practice of Fear Free Medicine
Close
Module 2: Providing Comfort and Preventing Stress in Avian Patients
Lesson 1: Recognizing Signs of FAS in Birds After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Interpret avian body language in a variety of settings
Explain how sensitivity to avian body language can help reduce FAS
Lesson 2: What Creates FAS in Birds? After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Identify common causes of FAS in birds
List things to avoid in a clinic setting to prevent FAS
Understand how to interact with individual bird patients to prevent FAS
Lesson 3: What Makes Birds Comfortable? After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Provide social support for birds
Provide environmental stability for birds
Handle birds with a considerate approach
Allow birds to stand or perch in a normal body position
Close
Module 3: Setting the Stage for Success with Fear Free Visits
Lesson 1: Roles and Training for Team Members After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Explain the role that each veterinary team member plays in achieving the goal of a Fear Free visit
Demonstrate how all team members work together in a Fear Free practice
Identify the best training practices necessary to support each team member in working toward this goal
Explain the role of the veterinarian in a Fear Free practice and the resources available to support them
Lesson 2: Client Education After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Communicate the value of Fear Free medicine to clients
Address common client concerns
Identify which training concepts to introduce first
Develop written information to send home with clients
Lesson 3: Scheduling and Reception Areas After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Optimize scheduling guidelines for avian patients
Establish client expectations before the visit
Educate clients on their role
Create an appropriate receiving area
Lesson 4: Exam Room Preparation and Patient Intake After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Recognize the considerations that dictate how the exam room is prepared
Identify the details necessary to prepare the exam room
Choose wisely the scales you will need
Identify both food and non-food reinforcers for different species and how to use them
Implement guidelines to follow when first placing the client in the exam room
Close
Module 4a: Fear Free Visits for Untrained Birds: Handling and Gentle Control
Lesson 1: Handling Birds Safely After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Reduce risks for staff and patient injury
Appropriately handle critically ill patients
Describe basic species differences
Safely interact with flighted birds
Handle multiple birds in the same exam room
Deal with extreme fear responses and aggressive behavior
Use towels as a Gentle Control tool
Lesson 2: Gentle Control Techniques for Birds After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Describe safe restraint techniques for a variety of avian species groups
Identify a number of potential pitfalls for restraint
Close
Module 4b: Fear Free Visits for Untrained Birds: Medication Options and the Physical Exam
Lesson 1: Chemical Restraint for Birds After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Define when it is appropriate to consider chemical restraint in birds
Describe a number of conscious sedation and anesthetic protocols and explain when they would be indicated
Lesson 2: The Physical Exam After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Put together the information learned from previous lessons and apply it to an avian physical exam
Describe the step-by-step process of an avian Fear Free exam
Apply recommendations for conscious sedation, general anesthesia, and postponing procedures
Lesson 3: Feedback and Record-Keeping After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Describe appropriate record keeping for Fear Free visits
Create a protocol for implementation of record keeping at your practice
Close
Module 5a: Fear Free Visits for Untrained Birds: Diagnostic Sample Collection and Hospitalization
Lesson 1: Approach to Diagnostic Sample Collection and Procedures on Avian Patients After completing this lesson you will be able to:
obtain diagnostic samples and imaging while minimizing FAS
describe techniques to minimize FAS associated with medical and surgical procedures
Lesson 2: Hospitalizing Avian Patients with Minimal Stress After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Properly set up a Fear Free avian hospital ward
Make clinical decisions with patients’ FAS in mind
Understand options for administering medications in the least stressful way possible for individual patients
Use enrichment in a hospital setting
Close
Module 5b: Fear Free Visits for Untrained Birds: Training Patients In-Clinic and Case Studies
Lesson 1: Training Patients In-Clinic After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Train hospitalized patients
Build value for training sessions with clients
Develop a fee structure for training sessions
Lesson 2: Case Studies After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Understand the complexity of managing critical avian patients in a Fear Free manner
Consider the clinical presentation of avian patients when planning treatments, diagnostics, and procedures
Advocate for training as an adjunctive therapy in long term case management
Close
Module 6: Training Birds to Cooperate in Medical Care
Lesson 1: Helping Clients Train After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Be prepared to introduce clients to the basic process of training birds
Have tools and resources to help inspire and reinforce client participation and engagement
Have a process for follow up
Lesson 2: Training Session Dynamics After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Understand the role of sensitive periods of development
Understand training session dynamics
Approach the bird effectively and assess interest prior to training
Increase motivation for preferred food items
Lesson 3: Practical Application: How to Train After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Train behaviors with shaping and capturing
Use a bridging stimulus
Recall the benefits of antecedent arrangement
Create an action to reinforce
Close
Module 7: Training Goals and Addressing Challenges
Lesson 1: Behaviors that Reduce or Eliminate Stress After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Train a bird to orient toward a target
Train a bird to step onto a scale and wait there for duration
Train a bird to be safely restrained in a towel with minimal stress
Train a bird to willingly enter a crate or other container for transport
Train a bird to accept oral medications from a dosing syringe
Lesson 2: Additional Behavior Goals After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Train a bird to step up
Train a bird for nail trimming
Train a bird for tactile exam
Train a bird for voluntary auscultation
Train a bird for voluntary intranasal medication administration
Lesson 3: Addressing Training Challenges After completing this lesson you will be able to:
Understand how to gain compliance
Address aggressive behavior
Address fear responses
Address lack of trust or socialization
Close
Additional Benefits
Complimentary access to other Veterinary Certification Programs
Complimentary RACE-approved CE courses in addition to certification course
Fear Free Directory Listing
Private Facebook group
Fear Free Educational Library
Fear Free Toolbox with downloadable marketing tools, drug charts, and more
Exclusive discounts on Fear Free-related products through the Preferred Product Program
Online store for marketing, branding, and educational handouts and brochures
Fear Free Job Board
Certification Gift
Continuing Education
Upon completion of the modules, you will receive a total of eight RACE-approved CE hours.
Course Authors
Alicia McLaughlin, DVM
Anneliese Strunk DVM, DABVP Avian
Barbara Heidenreich
Pamela Clark CVT, CPBC
Veterinary Certification Requirements
In order to earn Fear Free certification, veterinary professionals must successfully complete the online certification program. To uphold your certification, you must:
1. Earn 4 additional hours of Fear Free-specific CE annually.
2. Maintain an active membership via an annual renewal fee. Your renewal fee is due annually from the date you initially register and pay for the Fear Free Certification Program. Keep an eye out for reminder emails and instructions on how to pay your renewal fee.
Earning the Elite Fear Free Certified Professional Designation
Becoming an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional is for veterinary members who want to go above and beyond in their commitment to Fear Free. Elite Fear Free Certified Professionals are individuals who are continually committed to a higher level of education. In short, it is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the rest.
The requirements to become an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional are…
Completion of an individual veterinary certification program
Completing 35 hours of Fear Free veterinary CE available through the veterinary membership or at industry events and/or conferences
Continuing to earn 4 additional hours of Fear Free CE annually
Maintaining an active Fear Free membership via an annual renewal fee
To track your progress toward becoming an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, follow the CE tracker on your Member Homepage. Once you earn the required 35 Fear Free CE hours, you will receive a congratulatory email (where you can claim your free Elite kit) and an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional badge on your Member Homepage.
I have been in practice for 30 years and this is a game-changer. I have been so pleased at how quickly and effectively I have been able to integrate Fear Free practices into my daily work, even in areas outside of primary care. It has had a significant side effect too: happy, less stressed doctors and staff.
Why?
Renewing and keeping an active membership is one of the requirements to maintaining your certification as well as access to member benefits.
Need help? Please contact our Customer Experience team at wags@fearfreepets.com or call us at 303.952.0585 and we will be happy to assist!
Go to My Homepage
Action Required: You Were Removed from Your Fear Free Team
Update account information by clicking here to go to your account info.
Please note: If you were recently removed from your Fear Free team, your membership will either expire 90 days from the removal date or expire at your current membership renewal date, whichever comes first. Already renewed? Update your account information through the link above. You will continue to receive this notice until your company information has been updated.
Need to join a different Fear Free team or have questions?
Please contact our Customer Experience team at wags@fearfreepets.com or call us at 303.952.0585 and we will be happy to assist!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Great! You want to become a Fear Free Certified® Practice.
Best decision ever!
Beyond the long-term benefits of your patients and clients, Practice Certification improves career satisfaction and safety. Here are some steps you’ll need to take:
Please note: We don’t currently offer facility certification for non-veterinary facilities. If you want us to contact you when it is available for non-veterinary facilities, click here.
A team admin account is best suited for practice and team leaders who wish to register two or more team members for any Fear Free® certification memberships.
Gives you access to your own team purchasing and management tool. Requires a designated team admin to oversee team progress.
Requires a designated team admin to oversee team progress.
The team admin account is best suited for practice and team leaders who wish to register two or more team members for any of the Fear Free Certification Programs. The team admin account is intended to serve as a purchasing and management tool for the individual overseeing their team’s progress with Fear Free. Please note what limitations the team admin account will have below.
What the team admin account can do:
Purchase registrations and renewals for team members
Purchase more memberships and renewals for your team. Dynamic pricing reflected in cart.
The online self-assessment is comprised of the Fear Free Certified Practice Standards and is accessible via the Practice Certification Dashboard (PCD). Access to the PCD is provided to the Team Admin account after the $500 USD non-refundable registration fee is paid.
25% of the entire staff is Fear Free Certified and has active (not expired) memberships. The 25% must include 50% + 1 of your FTE veterinarians.
To become a Fear Free Certified Practice, you will need to:
Implement the Fear Free Certified Practice Standards and complete the online self-assessment
Meet the minimum Fear Free Certified and active member staff requirements
Complete a successful virtual visit with a Practice Certification Veterinarian
You’ll pay a $500 non-refundable deposit to register to start the process of becoming a Fear Free Certified Practice.
Fear Free is excited to offer students, faculty, and staff of veterinary schools, veterinary technician/nurse schools, and veterinary assistant schools complimentary registration and renewal for the time they are enrolled in an educational institution. The offer is open to students of all levels above the age of 18 for the duration of their time in school, and we encourage you to take advantage of this offer as soon as possible! You will be required to complete the form in the link below to obtain registration or renewal instructions via email. Please email wags@fearfreepets.com with any questions.
Fear Free is excited to offer students, faculty, and staff of veterinary schools, veterinary technician/nurse schools, and veterinary assistant schools complimentary registration and renewal for the time they are enrolled in an educational institution. The offer is open to students of all levels above the age of 18 for the duration of their time in school, and we encourage you to take advantage of this offer as soon as possible! You will be required to complete the form in the link below to obtain registration or renewal instructions via email. Please email wags@fearfreepets.com with any questions. Go to the student and faculty registration page.
Additional Benefits
