CONTACT:
Ruth Garcia
Business Manager, Fear Free
303.986.2800
Ruth.garcia@aaha.org
VETERINARY LEADERS COME TOGETHER TO HELP PETS OVERCOME
FEAR AND ANXIETY
Morris Animal Foundation partners with Dr. Marty Becker’s Fear Free initiative
Denver, Colo. – Fear of veterinary visits as well as stress and anxiety in everyday life have very real physical consequences for pets. Now a leader in research on the physical health of animals, Morris Animal Foundation, is partnering with the Fear FreeSM Certification Program, designed to “take the the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and ensure pets will receive the veterinary care they need without stress.
The Fear Free initiative was founded by Dr. Marty Becker, and currently involves a 160-member advisory panel comprised of board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and boarded veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods, hospital and animal shelter designers, and other experts.
“Morris Animal Foundation is renowned for its focus on rigorous scientific studies intended to optimize the physical health of animals,” said Becker. “In joining with Fear Free, they are showing a commitment to their equally important emotional well-being.”
The program, which launches on March 31, will offer veterinary professionals the opportunity to receive CE as well as certification in Fear Free veterinary practice from the parking lot to the exam room and beyond. Those taking the certification program will be required to successfully complete the 8-module online course, after which the certification will be valid for three years. Maintaining their status will require online or in-person continuing education.
Future plans include education and certification for pet industry professionals such as trainers and groomers, along with animal shelters. Recognizing that anxiety at the veterinary hospital can begin at home, Fear Free education for pet owners is also being developed.
Veterinary professionals can visit fearfreeepets.com to sign up and begin the Fear Free Certification Program.
About Fear Free
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free initiative aims to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approaches and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved, including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams. The end result? Calmer, more accepting patients, more compliant clients, and better veterinary care. For more information, visit www.fearfreepets.com.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. The foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies for companion animals, horses and wildlife. Since its founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $100 million toward 2,400 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, preventions and cures to benefit animals worldwide. Learn more at Morris Animal Foundation.
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