Fear Free Care at Heritage Animal Hospital

At Heritage Animal Hospital, we understand that vet visits can be stressful—for pets and their people. That’s why our team is committed to Fear Free® veterinary care: a proven approach designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in animals. By supporting both emotional and physical health, we make every visit calmer, safer, and more positive.

“When I opened Heritage Animal Hospital over 35 years ago, my goal was to provide excellent medical care in an atmosphere of education, compassion, and trust. The Fear Free® approach perfectly reflects those same values—reducing stress and nurturing comfort for every patient we see. We’re proud to be a Fear Free certified practice, continuing our mission to care for pets with both skill and heart.”— Dr. Richard Silverstein

What Is Fear Free?

Fear Free uses science-based techniques to ease stress before, during, and after your pet’s appointment. We create a calming environment with gentle handling, thoughtful planning, and personalized care.

This may include:

Preparing you with tips for carriers, car rides, and at-home comfort
Quieter spaces, minimal wait times, and separate areas for cats and dogs
Comfort tools such as pheromone sprays, cozy blankets, or your pet’s favorite treats
Low-stress handling, considerate positioning, and plenty of breaks
Safe calming medications when needed to make care more comfortable

Benefits for Pets

Less stress, more comfort:Pets remain calmer and more relaxed throughout their visit.
Better medical care: Reduced stress allows for more thorough exams and accurate diagnostics.
Positive experiences: Pets build confidence, making each future visit easier.

Benefits for Pet Owners

Peace of mind: You can feel confident your pet is being cared for with kindness and compassion.
Clear communication: We explain every step and prioritize your pet’s comfort.
Stronger relationships: Positive visits mean stronger trust between you, your pet, and our team.

Benefits for Our Team

Safer handling: Calmer pets reduce the risk of stress or injury.
Better medicine: Relaxed patients allow for higher-quality, more accurate care.
Joyful caregiving: Compassionate visits support both patient health and team wellbeing.