Does Your Pet Dread the Vet? How Fear Free® Care Can Help

Does your dog start shaking the minute you pull into the vet's parking lot? Does your cat disappear the second you bring out the carrier? You might think that's just part of life with pets, but there are ways to make veterinary visits, grooming, and other care less stressful for everyone involved. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Rebekah Zahedi, Chief Veterinary Officer of Fear Free® , about a different approach to pet care that considers your pet's emotional well-being just as seriously as their physical health. You'll learn what Fear Free® care actually looks like, how to recognize signs of fear and anxiety that are easy to miss, and what you can do to help your pet feel safer, even if your veterinarian or groomer isn't Fear Free certified. In this episode, you'll discover: What makes Fear Free® care different and what certification really means. Subtle signs of stress in dogs and cats, including behaviors you might mistake for calmness. How to speak up when you're uncomfortable with how your pet is being handled, including what to say. Simple ways to prepare for vet visits, from carrier training to discussing pre-visit medication with your veterinarian. What to ask when choosing a veterinarian, groomer, or other pet care professional. When fear or anxiety may signal a medical problem or require additional professional help. You'll also hear Amy's idea for a simple "pet résumé" that could make your next veterinary visit easier, and why Fear Free® care isn't just for pets who are already frightened. Resources Mentioned: Fear Free®: https://www.fearfree.com/ Find a Fear Free Certified Professional or Practice: https://directory.fearfree.com/ Fear Free Happy Homes, with free resources for pet parents: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/ Know someone whose pet dreads going to the vet, groomer, trainer, or other pet pro? Share this episode with them. A few small changes could make a big difference in their pet's next experience. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Practical pet advice for busy pet parents. Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it. Listen & Follow: 🌍 Official Site |📱 Facebook |📺 YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵 Spotify The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals. No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets. Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out. Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro