An RVT’s guide to helping your pet feel comfortable and confident when walking into the clinic
For many pets (and their people), a trip to the vet can feel overwhelming. As veterinary staff, we see firsthand how stress shows up in pets, but we also see how preparing at home can make a huge difference.
A calm, positive vet visit often starts days (or even weeks!) before your pet walks through our doors. Below are some quick, practical ways you can help your pet feel safe and prepared when it’s time to see the vet.
🐾 Start With the Basics: Handling at Home
De-sens-i-tize!
Desensitizing and counterconditioning your pet to touch—and to potentially uncomfortable experiences—using positive rewards can help replace negative reactions with positive responses.
You can practice a gentle “mock exam” at home by:
- Touching paws, belly, and ears
- Lifting lips briefly
- Pairing each step with praise or a reward
Over time, this helps build tolerance so handling becomes less stressful and more familiar. The goal is to go slowly and keep every interaction positive.
🚗 Trying Out Travelling
If getting your pet comfortable with the car or carrier is their biggest challenge, it is possible to change those associations.
For dogs:
- Take short car rides to fun places
- Reward calm behaviour when entering the vehicle
For cats:
- Leave the carrier out at home year-round
- Add cozy bedding, blankets, and occasional treats
If your pet’s only experience with cars or carriers has been stressful, a gradual reset—replacing fear with comfort—can make a noticeable difference.
🐶 Happy Visits!
We’re always happy to offer “happy visits.” These are short, no-pressure visits where your pet can:
- Greet the team
- Walk through the clinic
- Enjoy treats and positive attention
This helps build positive associations so the clinic feels like a safe, friendly place—even before an exam happens.
💜 Remain. Calm.
Pets are incredibly tuned in to our emotions. When they’re uncertain or anxious, they look to us for cues.
If we’re stressed, they often absorb that energy. Staying calm, supportive, and relaxed helps you become a steady presence during a moment that might feel unfamiliar to them.
🍖 Food for Thought
For some pets, food can be a powerful motivator.
You may want to consider:
- Offering smaller meals before the visit
- Using treats as rewards and distractions during the appointment
This can help create positive interactions with handling, team members, and the clinic environment.
Important: Fasting is not appropriate for all pets (such as diabetic patients), so always check with your veterinary team before making changes.
🩺 Ask Us About Anti-Anxiety Options
Sometimes a pet’s stress response is simply too high for training alone—and that’s okay.
There are many tools that can help, including:
- Calming supplements
- Pheromones
- Music therapy
- Anti-anxiety medications
These options can help reduce fear enough for your pet to build new, positive experiences without their stress response taking over. Ask us what might be right for your pet.
💬 Final Thought
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Even small steps toward a calmer visit can make a big difference over time.
If your pet struggles with vet visits, let us know when booking. We’re always happy to work with you to create a plan that helps your pet feel safe, supported, and confident.