Take The Free Course!
Any person who works or volunteers at a high-volume clinic can take the ‘Fear Free Shelter Program’ curriculum free of charge. This curriculum goes over proven methods that reduce Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) while handling cats and dogs. Sign up for the course here: Fear Free Shelters
Key Tips
1. Use spray cheese as a way to control the head and mouth of the dogs.
2. Use a towel over the head for frightened small dogs and cats.
3. Handle the animal as little as possible.
4. As few people as possible should interact with the animals, and only qualified medical staff should touch the animals.
5. To protect staff, a muzzle may be required.
6. Pre-do EVERYTHING (consents, payment) to reduce the time at the clinic.
7. Leap frog animals to the front if dogs are in the back of a pickup or if you notice high anxiety or aggression.