Fear-free veterinary care for pets who'd rather stay at home
FAS (Fear, Anxiety and Stress) Levels
in Dogs and Cats
Some pets experience very high levels of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) during handling.
If your pet is too anxious to be approached safely, pre-visit medication may be required before a house call can proceed. Please consult your veterinarian. I do not have the authority to prescribe medication.
If appropriate medication is not administered and/or your pet cannot be handled safely upon my arrival, the appointment may need to be rescheduled, and a visit fee may still apply.
​We will discuss any behavioural or medical needs your pet(s) may have, and, together with your veterinarian, determine the best, safest course of action, specifically tailored to your pet's needs.
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The following is a description of the various levels of FAS and how these may impact your home visit.
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FAS Level 0
Sleeping, neutral ears/eyes, soft expression, normal pupils, may offer friendly greetings, readily takes treats.
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Home visit can proceed safely without any Pre-Visit Medication or handling modifications.
FAS Level 2
Avoids eye contact, tail down, ears partly back/sideways, some pupil dilation, slight panting (dogs), some pronounced stress signs, but positive signs still present.
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Home visit may prodeed with minor handling modifications. May benefit from Pre-Visit Medication.
FAS Level 4
Actively trying to escape, frozen/immobile, tail tucked (dogs), flattened ears, full pupil dilation, may exhibit fight/flight/freeze, no treats accepted.
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Home visit may require siginificant handling modifications, and will likely require mild Pre-Visit Medication.
FAS Level 1
Attentive but not staring, slightly dilated pupils, tail up (dogs), mouth closed, may show some mild stress signs but still positive.
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Home visit can proceed safely. Pre-Visit Medication not likely need.
FAS Level 3
Head turned away, hesitant to interact, may refuse or snatch treats quickly, tail tip twitches (cats), refusing positive reinforcement.
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Home visit may prodeed with minor modifications. May benefit form Pre-Visit Medication.
FAS Level 5
Hair up (piloerection), fully dilated pupils, growling/hissing/swatting, extreme avoidance, severe physical signs of distress, aggressive actions.
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Home visit cannot proceed without Pre-Visit Medication, which must be prescribed by your primary DVM ahead of of your appointment.
Key Differences between Cats & Dogs
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Dogs: Panting, lip licking, yawning, tail tucking, paw lifting, whining, growling, freezing.
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Cats: Tail tip twitching, flattened ears, hissing, swatting, freezing, hiding, vocalizing, pupil dilation.
How can I make my home visit as stress-free and safe as possible for my pet(s) and my family?
If your pet is too anxious to be approached safely, pre-visit medication may be required before a house call can proceed.
In these cases, your DVM may recommend pre-visit medication(s) to help your pet stay calm and safe. These medications are commonly used, considered safe for most pets when appropriately administered, and can make a significant difference in reducing stress during the appointment. In many cases, pre-visit support allows your pet to be approached gently and comfortably, without causing additional stress to them or you.
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​​If appropriate medication is not administered and/or your pet cannot be handled safely upon my arrival, the appointment may need to be rescheduled, and a visit fee may still apply.
​
We will discuss any behavioural or medical needs your pet(s) may have, and, together with your veterinarian, determine the best, safest course of action, specifically tailored to your pet's needs.