Let’s be honest – most dogs aren’t huge fans of the vet. Add pain or past bad experiences to the mix, and a fear-free approach becomes essential to reduce stress and help your pup feel safe.

At Whiskers Vets, we completely understand. In fact, both our owners, Alexia and Lucy, share their lives with anxious dogs too. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to offer a gentle, fear-free approach to every vet visit.

We believe that your dog’s emotional wellbeing matters just as much as their physical health. That’s why we offer free “Meet and Treat” socialisation visits – no needles, no exams, just time to say hello, explore the clinic, and enjoy some tasty treats. These visits help your dog form positive associations with the vet – and build trust for future appointments.

Here are some practical ways you can help make every visit to the vet a little less scary (and even enjoyable!):

Before You Arrive: Take It Slow

  • Take your time getting out of the car. Let your dog sniff around the carpark – this helps reduce anxiety and gives them a chance to settle.

  • Give us a ring ahead of time and let us know if you would like to wait in your car instead of the waiting room. Crowded rooms full of other pets can be overwhelming for many dogs.

  • Some dogs feel safer being examined outside or in the car park – we’re more than happy to accommodate this where possible.

Bring Home Comforts

  • If your dog needs to stay with us for the day – or just come inside for a visit – bring along something familiar to help them feel safe and settled. This could be their favourite blanket, a toy that they love or something that smells like you or home!

Familiar smells and objects provide comfort and reassurance, especially in new or potentially stressful environments.

  • Keep things calm – avoid excitement or over-stimulation. Quiet voices, gentle touch, and a relaxed tone go a long way.

Let’s Tailor the Visit to Your Dog

  • Not sure if your dog needs to come in? We may be able to offer a phone consult, or we can schedule an appointment for you during a quieter time. Just ask when booking.

  • Our consultations are longer than average – a full 20 minutes – giving your dog time to settle in, get used to the environment, and build trust with the vet before any examination takes place. We’ve also got plenty of liver paste, treats, and lick mats on hand to keep things positive and low-stress.

  • If your dog is particularly anxious, talk to us about fear-free medication options.

Training and Behaviour Support

If your dog struggles with vet visits, the good news is – you can help change how they feel. Through positive reinforcement and gentle exposure, dogs can learn that vet clinics aren’t so scary after all.

That’s where our Meet and Treat visits come in! You and your pup can drop in for some friendly faces, delicious treats, and time to explore – no pressure, no procedures, and totally free.

You can also team up with a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist to support your dog’s progress. This is especially helpful for dogs with a history of fear, reactivity, or aggression at the vet.

We’re Here for You and Your Dog

At Whiskers Vets, we believe that every dog deserves a kind, respectful, and fear-free veterinary experience. Whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth, we’re here to make it as easy and positive as possible – for both of you.

Get in touch to book a “Meet and Treat” visit or talk to us about how we can support your anxious pup. We’re always happy to help.