Pet care guides
Keeping pets free of fear
Managing your pet’s fear at the clinic has always been one of our top priorities. When your pet feels comfortable, you do too, our veterinarians can do a better exam, and it’s easier to bring them in when they really need it.
Our approach
Less fear means better care.
We use a variety of techniques to lower stress in cats and dogs at the vet. Without distractions, we can take a comprehensive history, and when your pet isn’t traumatized by the trip, it’s easier to bring them in during an illness or after an injury.
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It’s on the chart
Our veterinarians and technicians note on your pet’s medical chart what works best, so the approach stays consistent whichever member of our team sees your pet.
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We listen to you
We ask what you think will work for your pet. After all, you know your furry companion best.
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We take our time
We set aside a few minutes at the start of each appointment to talk with you, and give your pet time to approach us or take a few treats to break the ice.
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No cornering
We avoid cornering pets at all costs, and keep dogs and cats facing their owner as much as possible. A familiar person nearby is comforting.
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Less is best
For pets who prefer it, we minimize how much we grab and hold them, doing just enough to keep everyone safe for the procedure.
Why it works
Positive visits add up.
The more times your pet has a positive experience at the vet, the lower their stress will be the next time they visit.
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It gets easier each visit
Over time we see less anxiety and more cooperation.
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A calmer you, a calmer pet
As you become more comfortable with the process, you’ll be less anxious as well, and the calmer you are, the calmer your pet.
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Results that last
We have great long-term results with anxious patients, and their owners too.
In the hospital
A fear free environment.
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Softer footing
Patients small enough to be examined on the table are often more comfortable on a towel or mat, which is less cold and slippery.
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Calming pheromones
We use a calming pheromone to help them relax.
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Flexible drop-offs
We can manage surgery and dental drop-offs within 30 minutes of surgery time, or at the time of surgery for very anxious pets. We’ll also get them home as early as your schedule and ours allow. Lower stress leads to better recoveries.
Keep reading
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Pet care guide
Calm cats at the vet
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From the blog
Fear Free: we’ve been doing that all along
My pet gets very anxious at the vet. How do you help?
We take our time, giving your pet a chance to approach us or take a few treats, and we avoid cornering pets, keeping them facing you as much as possible. For pets who prefer it, we grab and hold them only as much as needed to keep everyone safe.
Will my pet get the same gentle approach with a different vet or technician?
Yes. Our veterinarians and technicians note on your pet’s medical chart what works best, so the approach stays consistent whichever member of our team sees your pet.
Can I tell you what works for my pet?
Please do. We’ll ask what you think will work for your pet, because you know your furry companion best.
Will my pet ever be less nervous about visits?
It gets easier with each visit. The more positive experiences your pet has at the vet, the lower their stress next time, and over time we see less anxiety and more cooperation. The calmer you are, the calmer your pet.
My pet is anxious about being dropped off for surgery. Can you help?
Yes. We can manage surgery and dental drop-offs within 30 minutes of surgery time, or at the time of surgery for very anxious pets, and get them home as early as your schedule and ours allow. Learn more about drop-offs and procedures.
What makes the exam room more comfortable?
Smaller patients are often more comfortable on a towel or mat on the table, which is less cold and slippery, and we use a calming pheromone to help them relax. Bringing a cat? See Calm cats at the vet for carrier and car ride tips.
Appointments
See the difference for yourself.
Enjoy the gentle differences in your pet’s veterinary experience, and see how much more relaxed you both are. Call us at 301-482-2535 or book online in our Pet Portal.
Location
Clarksburg Animal Hospital23321 Frederick Rd.
Clarksburg, MD 20871 301-482-2535
Serving Clarksburg and surrounding areas.
Working Hours
- Mon – Fri
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Sat & Sun
- Closed
New clients can use the Pet Portal too. Enter your information there and make your first appointment.