Fear Free Equine Veterinary Practices

Fear Free veterinary procedures and practices aim to reduce the stress and anxiety that animals often experience during veterinary visits. This approach emphasizes creating a calming and supportive environment to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress (referred to as FAS) in horses, livestock, exotics and pets.

Principles of Fear Free Veterinary Care:

Environment: Stables, Trainers and Veterinary clinics following Fear Free principles strive to create a calm and welcoming environment. This may include soothing colors, comfortable waiting areas, and calming pheromones for small animal clinics. Equine Boarding and Training Facilities develop safe and convienent areas for health treatments, to include rubber floors, high ceilings, good air flow and spacious areas to move freely around large animals and equipment. Portables diagnostics and treatment modalities are supported.

Handling:
Techniques for gentle handling and minimal restraint are employed to reduce fear and anxiety in animals. This can involve using treats, positive reinforcement, and slow, gentle movements.

Training:Veterinarians and staff are trained in Fear Free techniques to understand animal behavior and emotional needs better. This helps them to approach examinations and procedures in a way that minimizes stress.

Medications:When necessary, medications or sedatives may be used to help relax anxious pets before and during procedures. This is done under careful veterinary supervision to ensure safety.

Client Education:Owners are educated on Fear Free practices, such as recognizing signs of stress in their horses and pets. They learn and adopt techniques for reducing anxiety at home and during veterinary visits. Daily health care and equine welfare are improved. The human animal bond and relationship is strengthened by understanding behaviors and using easy techniques to reduce stress.

Popularity and Adoption:

Fear Free veterinary care has gained popularity steadily since its inception in 2016. Here are some reasons for its growing adoption:

• Better Patient Outcomes: By reducing stress and anxiety, Fear Free practices can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment compliance. Stressed animals may exhibit altered vital signs, making it harder to assess their true health status.

• Improved Client Satisfaction: Horse owners appreciate seeing their animals calmer and less anxious during veterinary visits. This improves the overall experience for both the horse and the owner.

• Professional Development: Many veterinarians and veterinary staff value the additional training provided by Fear Free certification. It enhances their skills in handling animals and understanding behavioral cues.

• Competitive Advantage: Veterinary clinics that adopt Fear Free practices often differentiate themselves in the market by offering a more compassionate and less stressful experience for clients.

• Media and Public Awareness: The Fear Free initiative has been actively promoted through media channels, social media, and veterinary conferences, raising awareness among both owners, handlers, trainers and veterinary professionals.

Overall, Fear Free veterinary care continues to grow as more trainers, facilities and clinics recognize the benefits of reducing stress and anxiety in animals. It represents a positive shift towards more empathetic and patient-centered veterinary medicine.

Lincourt Stables is commited to equine welfare. We strive to keep current with modern care, handling and training techniques. We believe in constant continuing education with science based studies. We are certified Fear Free Veterinary practitioners in collaboration with Animal Health Care Center of Eagle Rock, California Owned by Lisa Hsuan D.V.M. Lincourt Stables is owned by California Licensed R.V.T Patricia Lincourt.