News and Events

The Gentle Vet was one of the sponsors of the 5th Annual Jog for Dogs 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on September 15, 2024, a dog-friendly fundraising event benefiting the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

We're proud to announce that we are officially a Fear Free Certified Practice! The Gentle Vet is the only Fear Free Certified Practice in Akron, Ohio. A "Fear Free" practice for pets refers to an approach in veterinary medicine that emphasizes the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during their visits to the veterinary clinic. The Fear Free initiative was established to improve the emotional well-being of pets and enhance the quality of care they receive. A relaxed pet allows for better clinical examinations, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

What does it mean to us to be a Fear Free practice?

Gentle Handling Techniques: Using low-stress handling methods to reduce potential trauma.

Consideration of the Pet's Perspective: Realizing how certain procedures or handling might be perceived by the pet.

Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS): Recognizing the signs of fear and anxiety in pets and understanding their root causes.

Environmental Management: Designing a clinic environment that is calming for pets, e.g., having separate waiting areas for cats and dogs.

Fear Free practices are crucial because they prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of pets. They recognize that a visit to the vet should not just be about addressing physical ailments but also about ensuring that the pet's emotional state is considered and cared for.