Austin’s only Fear Free Certified Practice
Austin’s first Fear Free Certified Practice
What it means to be Fear Free
Fear free means holding each pet’s emotional as well as physical wellbeing in mind at all times. It’s not possible to treat one without the other. We have learned to recognize even subtle signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets in our care.
Fear Free Certified Team
Being Fear Free Certified Professionals means our team is well educated in canine and feline body language. We understand how to identify and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during your pet’s visit. We use compassionate handling techniques along with lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and toys! We don’t push your pet to do anything they feel is scary or fearful. We will treat your pet on the floor, in your lap, or even outside, if that helps alleviate stress in your pet. We communicate what we are doing every step of the way.
Fear Free Certified Team
Being Fear Free Certified Professionals means our team is well educated in canine and feline body language. We understand how to identify and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress during your pet’s visit. We use compassionate handling techniques along with lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and toys! We don’t push your pet to do anything they feel is scary or fearful. We will treat your pet on the floor, in your lap, or even outside, if that helps alleviate stress in your pet. We communicate what we are doing every step of the way.
Fear Free Certified Practice
Practice Certification takes Fear Free implementation to the next level. Fear Free Certified Practices implement Fear Free into all aspects of their business: culture and leadership, client education, staff training, facility, and patient visits. To be a certified practice you must pass an online assessment and onsite visit with a Fear Free Practice Certification Veterinarian. Fear Free reviews their certified practices every three years to ensure they are continuing to meet their rigorous standards.
Star of Texas is honored to be Austin’s first and only Fear Free certified practice since 2018.
Happy Visits
Building Confidence One Visit at a Time
Happy Visits are short, positive experiences designed to reduce stress and help your pet feel comfortable in the veterinary environment. These visits are perfect for pets with mild fear, anxiety, or stress. They are not intended for handling or physical exams, but instead focus on increasing comfort in the environment. The goal is to desensitize your pet to the hospital setting and create positive associations with our team. Behind the scenes, we document your pet’s emotional response and adjust our approach for future visits. These are 15–20 minute visits that may take place in the lobby, exam room, or backyard. They include calming activities such as snuffle or lick mats, treat games, or trick cues.
Price – $23
*Subject to change
Happy Visits
Building Confidence One Visit at a Time
Happy Visits are short, positive experiences designed to reduce stress and help your pet feel comfortable in the veterinary environment. These visits are perfect for pets with mild fear, anxiety, or stress. They are not intended for handling or physical exams, but instead focus on increasing comfort in the environment. The goal is to desensitize your pet to the hospital setting and create positive associations with our team. Behind the scenes, we document your pet’s emotional response and adjust our approach for future visits. These are 15–20 minute visits that may take place in the lobby, exam room, or backyard. They include calming activities such as snuffle or lick mats, treat games, or trick cues.
Price – $23
*Subject to change
PVP Visits
Finding the Right Calm for Your Pet
PVP (Pre-Visit Pharmaceutical) Visits help us determine the most effective anxiety-reducing medication and strategies for pets who experience moderate to severe fear or stress during vet visits. A muzzle may be requested during these sessions. These visits allow us to assess how a prescribed medication affects your pet, identify ideal handling techniques and positioning, and ultimately reduce fear, anxiety, and stress at future appointments. These visits typically last 10–15 minutes. During the visit, we evaluate medication effectiveness (including sedation level, ease of transport, and any side effects) and, if possible, determine best handling practices. There is no forced handling—your pet’s emotional well-being is our priority. The main objective is to fine-tune medication protocols for future success.
Price – $42
*Subject to change
Training Support:
If you’re interested in desensitization for handling or procedures, we’ll connect you with one of our trusted trainers who may join you during future visits.
Behavior Consultations
Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind Behavior
Some behavior concerns go beyond general training. That’s where our in-depth Behavior Consultations come in. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, separation anxiety, or a multi-pet conflict, we’re here to help.
Who It’s For:
- Pets struggling with chronic behavior issues such as fear, aggression, resource guarding, or anxiety
- Households with inter-pet conflict
- Families needing a deeper understanding of their pet’s behavior
Behavior Consultations
Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind Behavior
Some behavior concerns go beyond general training. That’s where our in-depth Behavior Consultations come in. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, separation anxiety, or a multi-pet conflict, we’re here to help.
Who It’s For:
- Pets struggling with chronic behavior issues such as fear, aggression, resource guarding, or anxiety
- Households with inter-pet conflict
- Families needing a deeper understanding of their pet’s behavior
