Fear Free Certification: An Investment for the Entire Staff

By Mikkel Becker, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CTC, KPA Graduate

Inspired by a local Fear Free seminar, Dr. Mike Lappin and his staff at The Animal House began to track the body language of pets visiting their practice.

“It was enlightening to see that about 75% of our pets are showing some stress/anxiety signs,” says Lappin.

With a desire to tackle stress and anxiety they found Dr. Lappin decided to further his knowledge and become Fear Free certified.

“It was an investment in improving my practice,” says Lappin.

After completing his Fear Free certification Dr. Lappin enrolled the rest of his staff into the Fear Free Certification course to for the “wonderful tools to help reduce the fear, anxiety and stress in many of our patients.”

“Some of them are ‘flying’ right through it.  The techniques have already made a huge difference in some of the previously fearful, anxious and stressed animals in our office,” says Dr. Lappin.

“My staff see the results, as well as the clients and we have happier pets. Obviously some of them will take a bit more time and effort, but I highly recommend it for ANY practice.”

Dr. Lappin is also one the veterinarians participating in Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Morris Animal Foundation is part of Fear Free’s strategic alliance and strong advocate of the initiative.

Happy Paws Magazine

Spring/Summer 2020 Issue Available Now!