17/12/2025
*** HOW VETS & VET NURSES HANDLE PETS! ***
In a word... 'Cool, Calm and Caring'. Most pet owners have experienced that moment when their furry friend tenses up the second they walk through the vet clinic door. Some dogs shake, some cats hiss, and others just refuse to budge.
What many people don’t realise is that veterinarians, vet nurses and technicians actually undergo continuous training (CPD or Continuos Professional Development) not only to maintain their licences but also to improve their skills in animal behaviour and handling.
Over the last few years, there’s been a real shift in how vets approach the way pets are managed in clinics. Internationally, movements such as “fear free” and “low stress handling” have become more widely adopted.
These approaches recognise that how an animal is handled at the vet has a big impact—not just on the success of the visit but also on how the pet feels about returning next time. A calmer pet means safer handling for the staff and a far less stressful experience for both the animal and their owner.
A key part of this training is learning to read body language. Most of us know what an aggressive dog looks like when it’s snarling or lunging, but ideally vets want to intervene well before things escalate that far.
Recognising early signs of stress or anxiety means steps can be taken to help the animal feel more secure. Since around one in five pets have some form of anxiety disorder, the goal is always prevention. From puppy pre-schools and kitten kindergartens to creating positive experiences at the clinic with treats and gentle handling, everything is designed to build trust.
Today, vets have access to pheromones, anti-anxiety medications and even sedation or anaesthesia when necessary, ensuring that no pet is forced through a procedure in fear or pain. Just like humans wouldn’t want dental work without sedation, animals also deserve to have their comfort and wellbeing prioritised.
It’s not just about breeds either. While certain stereotypes exist—tiny dogs being labelled “snappy” or big breeds assumed to be dangerous—the truth is that there’s more behavioural variation within a single breed than between different breeds. Much of how we perceive pets is shaped by our own experiences or even the media.
Cats, of course, add their own unique challenges with sharp claws and a natural dislike of carriers. Instead of dragging a cat from its box, many vets now advise owners to make the carrier part of everyday life at home, helping cats see it as a safe space rather than a trap. In some cases, examinations can even be done with the cat still in the carrier, or by using towels and pheromone sprays to reduce stress. Small changes like these can make an enormous difference to a cat’s wellbeing during a vet visit.
Ultimately, the aim is simple: a calmer, safer, and more positive experience for everyone involved—pets, owners, and veterinary staff. By embracing science, behaviour training, and new handling techniques, today’s vets are making sure that trips to the clinic don’t have to be traumatic.
And that means healthier pets, happier owners, and a smoother path to long-lasting trust in the place where animals get the care they need most.
