Helping Pets Feel Calm, Safe,
and Happy at Every Visit.

Stone Ave Vet is now a Fear Free Certified Practice!

Vet staff affectionately examining a dog
A Mint Burst color rays of light

What is Fear Free Veterinary Care?

Fear Free® is a national program that teaches veterinary professionals how to create positive, low-stress experiences for pets. Certified practices follow specific techniques and standards to make each visit more comfortable, including:

  • Gentle handling techniques designed to help pets feel safe and in control.
  • Soothing environments with calming scents, soft lighting, and comfortable exam rooms.
  • Positive reinforcement using treats, toys, and praise to create happy associations.
  • Open communication between our team and you—so you know what to expect and how to help your pet before, during, and after the visit.

Why Choose a Fear Free Certified Vet Practice?

Taking your pet to a Fear Free Certified practice means you’re giving them the gift of comfort and confidence. Here’s what that means for you and your pet:

Better Health Through Calm Care

When pets are relaxed, our team can perform more thorough exams and diagnostics, leading to better care and faster healing.

Visits Pets Actually Enjoy

With gentle handling, treats, and positive experiences, many pets begin to associate vet visits with fun instead of fear.

Experts in Pet Emotions

Our Fear Free Certified team understands animal body language and behavior, customizing every step of your pet’s visit for their emotional well-being.

Less Stress, More Comfort

Our Fear Free approach helps pets feel calm and secure before, during, and after their visit—so vet days aren’t scary anymore.

How We Make Vet Visits Fear Free

At Stone Avenue Vet, every visit is tailored to your pet’s unique personality and comfort level. We take extra time with nervous pets, use pheromone sprays and soft music to create a soothing environment, and often perform exams on the floor instead of on a table to help pets feel more secure. For pets with higher anxiety, we may even recommend gentle pre-visit medications to ensure a calm experience.

Our goal is simple—to make every visit calm, kind, and compassionate.

A Mint Burst color rays of light

Fear Free Pet Care FAQs

What does it mean for a practice to be Fear Free certified?

A Fear Free certified practice trains its staff in techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits.

How will Fear Free care benefit my pet?

Fear Free care helps pets stay calm and relaxed, making exams less stressful and improving overall health outcomes.

Is Fear Free care only for anxious pets?

No! While it’s especially helpful for anxious pets, every pet can benefit from a low-stress, positive veterinary experience.

Will my pet still get the same medical care?

Absolutely—Fear Free techniques complement traditional care, ensuring your pet receives the same thorough exams, treatments, and diagnostics in a calmer environment.

What techniques are used to reduce stress?

Techniques include gentle handling, pheromone sprays, calming music, floor exams, treats, positive reinforcement, and sometimes pre-visit medications for highly anxious pets.

Do I need to prepare differently for a Fear Free visit?

In most cases, no special preparation is needed. Your vet team may give guidance if your pet is very anxious or if medications are recommended beforehand.

Will Fear Free care increase the length or cost of appointments?

Appointments may sometimes be slightly longer to ensure your pet is comfortable, but the focus on calm care often leads to more effective visits without additional stress.

Can Fear Free techniques help cats as well as dogs?

Yes! Fear Free practices are trained to handle both cats and dogs, creating low-stress environments tailored to each species.

How can I help my pet have a Fear Free visit?

You can help by bringing your pet’s favorite treats, staying calm yourself, and following any tips your veterinary team provides for a relaxed experience.

Where can I learn more about Fear Free veterinary care?

You can visit FearFreePets.com for additional resources or ask your Fear Free certified veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.

Get Fear Free
Pet Care Now!

If you’ve ever felt anxious bringing your pet to the vet, you’re not alone and we’re here to change that. Experience the difference of a Fear Free Certified Practice in Greenville, SC today.
two Vet staff affectionately examining a dog
A Mint Burst color rays of light