At West Ridge Animal Health Center in Topeka, Kansas, we understand that a trip to see us can be stressful—not just for your pets, but for you too. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Fear Free movement, a groundbreaking approach to veterinary care that prioritizes your pet’s emotional well-being. Our entire team has gone through Fear Free Training, meaning we’ve received specialized training to ensure every visit is calm, positive, and as stress-free as possible. Whether it’s a routine wellness exam, a nail trim, a surgery, a dental procedure, or a bath, we’re committed to making your pet feel safe and supported every step of the way.

What Is Fear-Free Medicine?

Fear-Free medicine is all about reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits. Pets deserve compassionate, respectful care tailored to their emotional needs. We do the same for people, and pets deserve no less!! By minimizing stress, we create a better experience for pets and their families while improving the quality of care we provide.

Fear-Free Techniques We Use

So, how do we make every visit Fear Free? Here’s how we put your pet’s comfort first:

  • Fear Free Environment –
    From not waiting in the lobby with your pet to carefully curated exam rooms we’ve designed the West Ridge experience for your pet’s comfort. Cats are more relaxed with blankets and birds on the TV and dogs enjoy sitting next to you on the couch or being examined on the floor or ottoman. Every detail is chosen with your pet’s emotional well-being in mind.
  • Treat-Filled Visits
    Food is one of the best ways to create a positive association with vet visits. During appointments, we use plenty of treats, like peanut butter, redi-whip, or other pet-safe snacks, to help your furry friend feel rewarded and distracted during procedures. (Bring your pet to a vet visit hungry! That makes treats even more appealing)
  • Gentle, Gradual Handling
    We never rush into exams or treatments. Our team uses a technique called gradient touch, introducing handling and restraint slowly and gently. By paying close attention to your pet’s body language, we can adjust our approach to ensure they feel safe.
  • Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs)
    For pets who are especially anxious, we often recommend pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs)—medications that help calm pets before they even arrive at our hospital. These safe, effective medications make the experience more enjoyable and reduce stress for both you and your pet.
  • Thundershirts
    When pets are anxious these compression shirts for pets act like a big hug to help give a feeling of calm. (similar to weighted blankets people use). These are used frequently in both cats and dogs and can be used by owners at home for stressful times (think fireworks or extra guests at home).
  • Pheromones
    We utilize this special pet “scent” for all our patients. They work by mimicking natural chemicals released by animals to communicate with each other. These are undetectable by people – but convey a sense of calm and wellbeing to cats and dogs. The pheromones are slowly diffused into the air by a plug into the wall that spreads all the good emotions to pets!!
  • Sedation When Necessary
    Sometimes sedation is the best choice, especially for pets with extreme anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures. Sedation helps ensure a calm, comfortable experience while allowing us to provide the highest quality care.

For many pets, fear and anxiety at the vet can build over time, making future visits even harder. Fear-Free medicine can help to break this cycle. By creating positive experiences, we help pets build trust and confidence, making their visits less stressful and more productive.

This approach is especially important for pets with past trauma, nervous temperaments, or medical conditions that require frequent visits. By reducing stress, we also improve their overall health and quality of life.

By choosing Fear Free care at West Ridge Animal Health Center, you’re giving your pet the gift of comfort and compassion. Thank you for trusting us to be part of their journey.

Schedule your next Fear Free appointment today, and see the difference our approach can make!

Together, we can ensure your pet’s health and happiness for years to come.