Fear Free Visit Guide
At Stonebrook, your pet’s emotional well-being is just as important to us as their physical health. Every visit is designed to reduce FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) so your pet—and you—have a smoother experience.
Our Approach
Respect first: We meet your pet where they are emotionally and move at their pace.
Trained team: Our staff is trained to recognize FAS—both the obvious signs (cowering under chairs/blankets, growling or snapping, urinating when approached) and the subtle ones (tense body, lip licking, pinned ears, whale eye, yawning, trembling).
Customized plan: We’ll help identify your pet’s triggers (e.g., car rides, other pets, certain handling) and collaborate on an action plan so each visit is calmer than the last.
Win-win: A less-stressed pet makes for a less-stressed pet parent.
How You Can Help Before You Arrive
Bring the happy: Pack high-value treats (tiny, soft, smelly), a favorite toy/blanket, and arrive with extra time.
Comfort travel: Use a secure carrier or harness; cover cat carriers with a light towel; play soft music or use pheromone sprays/wipes (Feliway/Adaptil) 15–20 minutes before leaving.
Car routine: Keep the car cool and quiet; avoid rushing.
Hungry helps: If medically appropriate, offer a smaller meal so treats are more motivating.
Lobby options: Prefer to wait in your car? Text/call us on arrival for direct room entry.
During the Visit
We use gentle handling, treat breaks, species-specific pheromones, and quiet rooms.
If your pet needs more time, we slow down—or pause and reschedule with a different plan.
When helpful, we may recommend PVPs (pre-visit pharmaceuticals) or anti-nausea meds for car anxiety. These are tailored for safety and comfort.
Need Extra Support?
If your pet has a history of high FAS, please tell us before your appointment so we can pre-plan (quiet entry, first-of-day slot, PVPs, or a “happy visit”).