Steps to a Stress-Free Vet Visit

Helping Your Pet Feel Calm and Safe

Veterinary visits can be stressful for some pets. Our goal is to make your pet’s experience at Rose City Veterinary Hospital as stress free as possible for you and your pet. By preparing ahead of time we can help to alleviate the anxiety that come with necessary veterinary visits.

What You Can Do to Prepare

1. Desensitize & Reward at Home

Get your pet used to handling long before the appointment. Touch paws, lift lips, gently inspect ears. Pair each experience with treats, praise or play.  Get your pet used to the site and scent of their carrier by leaving it out and filled with blankets and toys.

2. Make Travel Part of the Routine

If your pet only rides in the car when visiting the veterinarian, the drive can become a trigger for anxiety. Take short, fun outings. For example: circling the block, going through a drive?thru or stopping at pet?friendly spots. Let your pet associate travel with positive experiences.

3. Visit the Clinic Beforehand

Stop by for “meet & greet”. Drop in and let your pet sniff the space, see the staff and get a treat or two. If your pet is especially nervous or fearful, you may be able to schedule a “friendly visit” with one of our team members who will spend time with you and your pet in an exam room to acclimate them to the experience.

4. Bring Familiar Items

A favorite toy, a blanket with a familiar scent or even their own bed can work wonders. These items ground pets in what feels safe. This can be especially helpful when waiting in the lobby or during exams.

5. Let Us Know Their Needs

Let us know ahead of time if your pet gets nervous or is sensitive to sound/smells. We will do our best to make accommodations: quieter rooms, different handling techniques or breaks during the exam.

6. Use Calming Aids

Pheromone collars/sprays, diffusers, and calming treats can help by mimicking your cat or dog’s natural pheromones to help calm anxiety.   Ask our staff calming products that are safe and appropriate for your pet’s age, breed, and health.

7. Keep Your Own Energy Grounded

Pets often pick up on our emotional state. If you're feeling stressed or anxious, they may sense it. Staying calm, speaking gently, and offering reassurance can help them feel more secure. Your calm presence can make a big difference.

8. Reward Good Moments, Big or Small

During and after the appointment, praise your pet, give treats, play or do something fun. Reinforcing positive behavior makes it more likely your pet will handle future visits better.

9. Plan Ahead and Share information

Some pets benefit from pre?visit medication, others need to wait in the room, away from the lobby, or minimal handling. Ask your veterinarian about options for your pet and let us know how we can best support you and your pet during your visit. We are committed to making these visits as stress free as possible for you and your pet.

Helpful Checklist Before Your Appointment

• Schedule when clinic is less busy

• Bring comfort items and treats

• Have carrier ready, leave it out ahead of time

• Write down any recent behavior changes or needs

• Call ahead and discuss any concerns with clinic staff

At Rose City Veterinary Hospital, we believe veterinary care should be as stress?free as possible. We commit to:

• Gentle handling

• Flexible appointment times

• Leaving room for your pet’s individual pace

• Open communication so you and your pet feel heard

Ready to Make the Next Visit Better?

Book your next appointment online or contact us at (503) 232-3105 to discuss how we can tailor the visit to your pet’s needs.