Did you know 78% of cats and 58% of dogs knew they were going to the vet before they even arrived at the vet?
Vet visits can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make them a more positive experience for your pet. Here are some expert-backed tips to help reduce anxiety and create a smoother visit.
Create a Calm Environment Before Travel
Before even stepping into the car, set your pet up for success by practicing in a comfortable space at home. Some helpful strategies include:
Using familiar blankets, toys, and carriers to create a sense of security.
Incorporating calming scents like lavender or chamomile, which have been shown to reduce anxiety, especially in dogs.
Playing soothing music, audiobooks, or even species-specific sounds to help ease nerves.
Offering food puzzle toys to keep them mentally engaged and distracted from stress.
Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
For pets prone to high anxiety, a multimodal approach may be best. Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVP) and nutraceuticals can help ease stress, but always discuss these options with your veterinary team before the appointment.
Make the Carrier a Safe Space
If your pet only sees the carrier when it’s time for a vet visit, they may associate it with stress. Instead:
Feed your pet inside the carrier regularly so it becomes a familiar and positive space.
Take your pet on short car rides in the carrier that don’t end at the vet.
Reward them with treats and praise to reinforce good experiences.
Be Mindful of the Veterinary Environment
Small changes can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort level at the clinic. Consider:
Bring a non-slip mat for the floor, treatment tables, or kennels to help them feel secure.
Being aware that other animals leave behind pheromones that can trigger stress. Ask if your vet clinic uses pheromone wipes and sprays to clean exam rooms between patients.
Using calming scents like lavender or chamomile in small amounts—remember, dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell!
Playing classical or species-specific music on your phone to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Minimize Waiting Room Stress
Waiting rooms can be overwhelming. Since studies show that three out of four dogs display stress in the waiting area, consider:
Ask your vet if you can wait in the car until they are ready for you.
Bringing high-value treats to reward calm behavior during the wait.
Use familiar blankets or carriers to help create a safe barrier between your pet and other animals.
Reward & Acclimate Your Pet to Handling
Help your pet feel comfortable with handling by:
Offering food before, during, and after exams. Even pre-surgical pets can have licks of frozen baby food or pupsicles.
Give them 5-10 minutes to acclimate to the exam room before handling begins.
Learning your pet’s body language to recognize when they are comfortable or stressed.
Practicing gentle handling at home, including ear checks, paw touching, and temperature-taking.
Positively pairing medical equipment like scales, muzzles, and stethoscopes with treats and praise.
Start Early with Positive Socialization
For puppies and kittens, early exposure to vet visits is key. Attending socialization classes—especially those held at vet clinics—can help create positive associations with the environment before they turn 12 weeks old.
Victory Visits: Fun, Stress-Free Vet Trips
Plan short, fun trips to the vet where no procedures happen. Simply visit for five minutes, let your pet receive treats from the veterinary team, and leave. These “Victory Visits” help them build positive associations with the clinic.
Teach Communication Cues
Teaching your pet specific cues can help them understand what to expect and reduce stress. Some useful commands include:
“Hug” – Signals restraint is coming.
“Ear” – Prepares them for an ear exam.
“Paw” – Indicates their paw will be touched.
“Hold” – Lets them know they will be picked up.
“Leash” – Signals when their leash will be clipped on or removed.
Cooperative Care: Training for a Stress-Free Experience
Practicing cooperative care techniques, like conditioning relaxation on a mat and allowing your pet to opt in or out of handling, can make vet visits much smoother. Training your pet to be comfortable with routine handling can significantly reduce stress for both them and your vet team.
With a little preparation and patience, vet visits can become a much more positive experience for your pet. Start incorporating these techniques today and help your furry friend feel safe, secure, and stress-free at their next appointment!
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