Let’s face it, it’s not a pleasant experience being frightened, not knowing what is about to happen to you. For your pet, this is exactly what they are thinking when they are pulled out of their comfortable and familiar surroundings, into the car and then into a place full of other critters with different smells and noises. It is often quite a confronting situation for your pet and for pet parents.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to help make that all-important vet visit more enjoyable for your pet. 

Firstly, try to make the car harness or cat carrier part of everyday life. Making the car carrier part of the furniture in the house is a great way of familiarising your cat with the item. Taking trips in the car often is another way of making that car trip less stressful.

There are great vet recommended pheromones for cats and dogs which when sprayed in bedding, cat carriers or bandanas, make for a much more relaxing outing. Remember to stay as calm as possible, as dogs and cats are very sensitive to their owner’s moods. The radio playing in the car is the best way of calming both you and your pet and remember to run the car for five minutes with the air conditioning on.  

The vet clinic itself can make a big difference. Many practices are now implementing fear free principles into their daily operations. Fear free principles include friendly and gentle staff willing to take things slow and give behaviour advice and separate waiting, consultation rooms, and wards for different species. 

It is important to research the least stressful options for your pet to help minimise any stress associated with their medical care. 

Dr Renee Pigdon, Petfocus Vetcare