Animal Hospital of Lake Villa Staff become Fear Free Certified Professionals
Lake Villa, IL. - Can you imagine telling your dog, "Let's go to the vet!" and seeing her tail wag? How about getting out your cat's carrier and seeing him come running?
Local pet owners won't need to imagine it if they visit Dr. McGinniss at Animal Hospital of Lake Villa on Rte 83 and Grand Ave. That's because he is part of a new initiative sweeping veterinary medicine designed to ease the stress, fear, and anxiety so many pets experience while at the veterinarian.
Known as Fear Free, the training and certification program helps veterinarians modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need.
"There's truly nothing like it. Seeing a patient who was once so stressed that aggression was the only outlet turn completely around is just a powerful sight. As we started our training, we began implementing what we had learned and saw immediate results. We've always had patients that loved coming see us but we've also always had patients who were stressed and anxious at the vet. Watching them come in with tucked tails and then watching them leave with wagging ones instead is truly heart worming" said Dr. McGinniss. "Clients are happier too! A lot of times they're more stressed than the pet, so we've had to work on assuring them that the pet was just fine. Most times, clients see an immediate difference in our services and other times we educate them on the signs that we're looking out for. Our approach to the pets let us do things very well, so the next time, certain clients are more calm coming in which helps tremendously. Dogs feed off of that stuff. If they're owner is anxious or nervous, then the dog is going to sense that and feel the same. With our new fear free training we are able to reduce the fear, stress anxiety for both pet and client which makes the entire experience for both parties go much much smoother."
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free training program was developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and boarded veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods.
"Providing veterinarians with the tools they need to ease this burden of fear and anxiety or our patients is the pinnacle of my 37-year veterinary career," said Dr. Becker, who was dubbed "America's Veterinarian" by Dr. Oz and appeared on "Good Morning America" for 17 years. "Veterinary professionals are hungry for this information. Animals and their humans need and deserve it. And now it's here!"
To become certified, veterinarians and veterinary staff are required to complete a comprehensive, 8-part educational course and exam. They also have to take continuing education to remain certified.
"We used to use Pupperoni and plain cheerios so we've definitely upped the game and the rewards to make it a better experience for them. Offering a variety of treats like real chicken, peanut butter, and cheese spread entices them much more which then helps us gain their trust. We're very careful, they all come in with some level of anxiety and so we're, continuously watching for signs of it increasing. I do a lot of sitting on the floor with them, and clients too, for some of the more nervous ones and it just helps them with it. Some of these guys, they just panic more when putting them on the table so we're sitting more on the floor with them. Certainly, the ones that are very hard to control we are using anti anxiety supplements and medications beforehand. Even the use of pheromones and calming music has helped a lot."
Pet owners who would like their pets to experience the Fear Free difference can schedule an appointment by calling (847) 356-VETS or by going to lakevillavet.com. Animal Hospital of Lake Villa also has a free downloadable app for your smartphone which you can find by going to your app store and searching for ahlakevilla.
About Dr. McGinniss and Animal Hospital of Lake Villa
Edward V. McGinniss D.V.M (Dr. Ed) is a 1984 graduate of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine. He earned his bachelor's degree prior to that from the University of Illinois, College of Agriculture. He started the Animal Hospital of Lake Villa in 1993. Dr. Ed shares his home with Australian Shepherd, Finlea who loves greeting clients at the desk and chasing her favorite Frisbee.
When Dr. McGinniss opened his practice, he knew he wanted to provide the best possible medicine with compassionate care. Naturally, after a few years he sought out to get an accreditation through The American Animal Hospital Association. This accreditation requires Dr. McGinniss and his staff to follow over 900 rigorous standards for veterinary medicine. Their whole team is committed to animal welfare, client education all with a kind, friendly attitude.
About Fear Free
Developed by "America's Veterinarian," Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear FreeSM initiative aims to "take the 'pet' out of 'petrified'" and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams. Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com.