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Practice Certification Standards Summary Edited Jul2021

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Updated July 2021
Practice certification takes Fear Free implementation from an individual to a joint effort as
practice team members work together to safeguard the emotional wellbeing of their patients,
clients, and each other.
To earn the designation of Fear Free Certified Practice, the practice will need to implement the
practice certification standards, complete an online self-assessment, and have a successful visit
with a Fear Free Practice Certification Veterinarian. The online assessment is composed of the
standards in this document and is available to practices once they register for practice
certification.*
The standards are divided into seven categories. Categories may include a mix of mandatory
and optional standards or have only one or the other. Mandatory standards are assessed as
pass/fail. Categories including solely optional standards are assessed using a point system. A
minimum number of points must be earned to pass. If a practice fails to meet a mandatory
standard or the minimum number of points, practice certification will not be granted.
*Please read the Practice Certification Terms & Conditions for complete details.
General
FEAR FREE PRACTICE CERTIFICATION
STANDARDS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Category 1: Physical and Emotional
Mandatory Standards Page 1
Category 3: Medical Records
Category 5: Community Education and Marketing
Optional Standards Page 12
Category 7: Patient Observation
Mandatory Standards Page 15
Category 6: Culture, Training and Leadership
Category 2: Client Education
Mandatory Standards Page 4
Mandatory Standards Page 8
Optional Standards Page 9
Mandatory Standards Page 13
Optional Standards Page 14
Optional Standards Page 16
Category 4: Facilities
Optional Standards Page 5
Mandatory Standards Page 6
Physical and Emotional
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
A licensed veterinarian approves and supervises all patient care.
All animals are cared for in a humane manner by all practice
team members.
Restraint of any animal that could be painful and/or cause
emotional distress is prohibited. The use of physical punishment
or force in anger or frustration is unacceptable.
Scruffing of cats and "tank" or "box" anesthetic inductions are
not acceptable as they are inconsistent with the Fear Free
mission and Certified Professional Pledge.
Any animal that is observed to be experiencing mental suffering
or distress must be assessed and appropriately treated without
delay.
Unless medically contraindicated, all hospitalized and boarding
animals are supplied with food and water.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
All surgical patients are provided with pain management.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
Appropriate pain management is provided for the level of
occurring and/or expected pain.
The practice maintains and follows a Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) for preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety,
and stress (FAS) upon arrival at the practice.
The practice maintains and follows a SOP for preventing and
alleviating FAS during the visit at the practice.
The practice maintains and follows a SOP for preventing and
alleviating FAS during checkout/discharge from the practice.
If training and/or behavior modification is provided at the
practice, either by a practice team member or an outside
provider, techniques must be free from aversives and adhere to
scientific principles for humane handling.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
N
1 Veterinary License
Name, training credentials, and
most recent CE
Physical and Emotional Standards 1
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
Upload/Write-In
Details
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
If the practice refers clients to a trainer in the community, the
trainer's techniques must be free from aversives and adhere to
scientific principles for humane handling. First-hand experience
is HIGHLY recommended.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
Syringes and needles are single-use only. Needles are replaced
after drawing up vaccines, medications, unsuccessful sample
collections, etc. so that the patient always receives a fresh
needle.
Insulin needles are exempt because they cannot be replaced
once insulin or other medication has been drawn up. Insulin
syringes are to be disposed of after one use.
Syringes use to deliver anything by mouth (e.g.,
food/water/medication) may be used more than once for the
same patient provided they are able to deliver the contents
smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Housing (defined as any place an animal is housed while in the
care of the practice for any length of time) is:
- safe
- well maintained
- able to be cleaned and disinfected with ease
- large enough for the patient to stand up, turn around, and rest
and sleep in his/her position of choice without having to touch
the sides or top of the enclosure
- large enough for the patient to eliminate in an area other than
his/her resting area
- comfortable (i.e., appropriate bedding is provided)
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
Animals in boarding are given enough space to eliminate in a
different area than their resting area and/or taken outside to
eliminate at least four (4) times in 24 hours.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
Animals in boarding are provided with daily positive social
interaction, including but not limited to social interactions with
people, physical exercise, and other environmental enrichments.
During their stay, animals should be cared for by the same
practice team member whenever possible.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
N
SOP
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Upload/Write-In
Details
Physical and Emotional
Physical and Emotional Standards 2
Trainer Referral List
SOP
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
SOP
If 1.8, 1.9 & 1.10 are contained in
single document, only upload once.
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
1.17 Fear Free Certified Practices shall not provide or recommend
elective onychectomy (declawing) services for any animal.
Elective declawing services include surgical removal of normal
digits and digital flexor tendonectomy. Providing or
recommending declawing as part of a behavior modification
plan is considered elective and is not permitted.
Practices are permitted to provide surgical removal of medically
abnormal digits resulting from trauma, infection, autoimmune
disease, or neoplasia as part of a comprehensive medical
treatment plan. Practices are permitted to provide dewclaw
removals. As with all like procedures, pain management shall
comply with Standards 1.6 and 1.7.
N
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Upload/Write-In
Details
Physical and Emotional
Physical and Emotional Standards 3
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Client Education
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
2.1
2.2
The practice DISPLAYS client education about Fear Free.
Either at least one (1) item must be present in the reception area
and one (1) in each exam room* OR a minimum of three (3)
items must be made accessible to clients via the practice
website.
*Exemption: Comfort rooms used for euthanasia
The practice has at least three (3) TAKE-HOME Fear Free
educational resources for owners.
Resources may be in print or digital form and are provided to
owners on an as-needed basis.
Client Education 4
Upload/Write-In
Details
See Fear Free Toolbox resources for options.
See Fear Free Toolbox resources for options.
Client Education 5
Optional Standards
170 Total
80 Passing Score
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Client Education
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
2.3
A minimum score of 80 is required to pass this category.
Each option is worth 10 points.
For each option selected, you must include an upload and/or a
link that allows the information to be read in its entirety.
Resources may be in print or digital form and are provided to
owners on an as-needed basis.
The practice provides Fear Free–compliant CLIENT EDUCATION
on at least eight (8) topics from the following list.
Select all that apply:
Canine Socialization AND Feline Socialization
Puppy and/or Adult New Dog House Training
Litter Box Training & Care
Meeting the Scratching Needs of Cats
Meeting the Environmental Needs of Indoor Cats
Canine Crate Training AND Feline Carrier Acclimation
Training
How to Select a Trainer AND at least one (1) training
resource ("how to train")
Muzzle Training
Nail Trims and/or Grooming
Ear Care
AG Care
Environmental Enrichment for Activity-Restricted Pets
Chronic Healthcare Issues
Senior and/or Geriatric Patient Care
Palliative and/or Hospice Care and/or Euthanasia
Referral to CAAB or DACVB
Other
Upload/Write-In
Details
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Medical Records
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
3.1 A Fear Free Pre-Visit Questionnaire (PVQ) is completed for all new
patients. The PVQ should be standardized, easy to find in the
medical record (MR), and used by all practice team members.
All applicable information from the PVQ is incorporated into the
patient's EMR.
PVQ Exemptions: Emergency Visits, Euthanasia
Practices may use the Fear Free Pre-Visit CSR FAS Phone
Interview, Pre-Visit Client Questionnaire, or Pre-Visit
Questionnaire. If the practice elects to not use one of these
resources, at a minimum, the following information is included in
the PVQ:
Does your pet show any reluctance to getting in the carrier or car?
Yes
No
1.
Upload/Write-In
Details
Medical Records 6
How would you describe your pet's behavior during travel?
Select all that apply.
Eager & excited
Subdued
More quiet than usual
More vocal than usual
2.
Does your pet do any of the following during travel?
Select all that apply.
Pant
Tremble
Pace
Hide
Drool
Vomit
Poop
Pee
3.
Are there any situations that your pet has tried to avoid or seemed
to dislike of in the past? Select all that apply.
Entering the vet hospital
Unfamiliar people or animals
Being weighed
Going into the exam room
Being put up on the exam table
Having a rectal temperature taken
Ear exam/cleaning
Nail trim
Other
4.
Has your pet ever been given any supplements or prescribed any
medications to help manage his/her fear or anxiety associated
with the visit? If so, what was it and what sort of results did you
experience?
4.
3 PVQs
Medical Records 7
3.2 The practice maintains an Emotional Medical Record (EMR) for all
patients. The recording method should be standardized, easy to
find in the MR, and used by all practice team members.
When an appointment is scheduled, EMR is reviewed with the
client and, if applicable, other team members to prepare the
client, patient, and practice team members for the visit.
To provide consistency across Certified Practices, at a minimum,
the following information is included:
3.3 FAS documentation, using the Fear Free FAS Scale, is a part of
any and all visits to the practice. The recording method should be
standardized, easy to find in the MR, and used by all practice
team members.
This includes but is not limited to visits with the veterinarian,
veterinary technician/nurse, and assistants.
Documentation shall include changes in FAS scores
(increase/decrease), interventions, and results of said
interventions.
See page 2 of the Fear Free EMR for suggested tracking.
3.4 A pain score is recorded for all patient visits with a veterinarian
AND at least once daily for hospitalized patients.
See the Fear Free EMR for additional suggestions.
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Medical Records
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
Upload/Write-In
Details
Pre-Visit FAS Management Interventions
Likes (prevents/alleviates FAS)
Triggers (increases FAS)
Preferred Location for Exam
1.
2.
3.
4.
3 Medical Records
3 Medical Records (not required if
included in 3.2 upload)
Pain Scoring System In Use
3 Medical Records (not required if
included in 3.2 or 3.3 upload)
Pain Scoring System In Use
3 Medical Records (not required if
included in 3.2 or 3.3 upload)
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Facilities
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Animals are provided with a nonslip surface for procedures and
handling, including but not limited to exams, samplecollections,
treatments, imaging, anesthesia prep, bathing, and grooming.
Unless medically contraindicated, feline housing includes one (1)
or both of the following: elevated resting platform, ability to hide.
Standard is considered met if "N/A-service not provided" is
selected on the self-assessment.
Practice provides at least two (2) options from the following list.
Select all that apply:
Outdoor exam space for dogs
Platform for cat carriers in reception area and/or exam
rooms
SOP to reduce FAS at the scale
Pheromone diffusers, spray, and/or wipes in use
Treat dispensers
Design options for Considerate Approach and Gentle
Control
Outdoor views from exam rooms for cats
Enrichment for cats in exam rooms
Realistic images of animals cats may perceive as threats
(e.g., cats, dogs, birds of prey) are not displayed
Litter box in exam room
Unless medically contraindicated, water is provided in exam
room during canine and/or feline visits
Nonslip flooring in one or more of the following areas:
reception, exam rooms, treatment, wards. Coefficient of
Friction (COF) must be at least 0.60 when wet.
The interior and exterior of the practice are neat and clean.
SOP
Brief description
Picture
Brief description, proof of COF
Facilities 8
Upload/Write-In
Details
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
Facilities
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
70
80
80
80
60
Facilitate positive emotional response BEFORE animal
enters the building by using at least one (1) option from
the following list to attain the 70 points.
Select all that apply:
Treat dispenser at building entry
Alternate access into practice (does not lead into
reception)
Safe outdoor walking area
Drive-through
Other:
Separation of species in reception area by providing at
least one (1) option from the following list to attain the 80
points.
Select all that apply:
Separate species entries to the practice
Separate species waiting areas
Visual blocks in waiting areas between species
Reduce wait times for animals in reception area by
implementing at least one (1) option from the following
list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Alternate check-in protocols to avoid waiting in
reception area
Covered outdoor waiting area
Other:
Separate animals at exam, during treatment, and/or in
wards/housing by providing at least one (1) option from
the following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Species-specific exam rooms
Species-specific treatment areas
Species-specific wards/housing
Visual blocks between animals in treatment
Visual blocks between animals in wards/housing
Facilitate family involvement in ICU/CCU setting by
providing option for owner to visit with and/or stay with
pet in critical care setting.
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Facilities 9
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Details
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
Facilities
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
4.10
4.11
4.12
80
80
60
Steps are taken and SOPs are followed to improve the
olfactory experience and include at least one (1) option
from the following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Closed trash receptacles in exam rooms, treatment
areas, AND wards
Cleaning with low- and/or neutral-odor disinfectant
In case they become soiled with body secretions,
team members that have contact with animals have
a change of clothes at the practice
SOP: Cleaning Protocol for Scale
SOP: Exterior Animal Waste Removal
SOP: Spot Cleaning of Housing
SOP: Cleaning Protocol for Stethoscopes, +/-
Otoscope, +/- Ophthalmoscope, +/- Nail Trimmers,
+/- Bandage Scissors
SOP: Prevention of Nose Blindness
To reduce stress for animals in a ward setting, practice
has implemented at least two (2) options from the
following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Eliminates animals facing each other in wards
Provides more than one dog ward
Non-reflective surfaces in housing
If bars are present on the doors of cat housing, they
are horizontal
Owner provides cat litter from home for his/her cat(s)
Housing has views to pleasant or neutral spaces
Enrichment used in housing
Litter boxes designed for ill or compromised cats
Cat housing set with the bottom cage elevated,
ideally at least 12" off the floor
Fear Free dimensions for long-term cat housing
(minimum 36" W x 30" H)
Pheromone therapy
Practice creates calming environments using lighting and
sound engineering by implementing at least one (1)
option from the following list to attain the 60 points
Select all that apply:
Minimize phone ringtone and pager volumes
Dimmable lighting in exam rooms and/or wards
Natural light in exam rooms and/or wards
LED lighting in exam room, treatment area and/or
wards
Sound walls around exam room, treatment area,
and/or wards
Sound-reduction strategies (e.g., baffles, high NRC
ceiling tile)
Masking sound
SOP
SOP
SOP
SOP
SOP
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Location/use of
Location
Location
Location
Brief description
Brief description
Facilities 10
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Details
Facilities 11
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
Facilities
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
4.13
4.14
60
50
Practice prevents noise and vibration by implementing at
least one (1) option from the following list to attain the 60
points.
Select all that apply:
Isolation of mechanical equipment
Non-audible practice paging systems (e.g.,
hands-free headsets)
Prevention of unnecessary operational noise
Sound-dampening materials used in housing
Practice provides healthier environments using
mechanical techniques including at least one (1) option
from the following list to attain the 50 points.
Select all that apply:
Negatively pressurize ward spaces
Achieve minimum air exchanges for ward(s) in one or
more ways:
Select all that apply:
Isolation: 20-30 air changes/hr
Cat ward: 25-30 air changes/hr
Dog ward 12-20 air changes/hr
Run ward 12-15 air changes/hr
External heat support provided to animals as needed
to maintain normothermia
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Brief description
Location
700 Total
320 Passing Score
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Details
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
Community Education and Marketing
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
80
50
70
60
60
The practice utilizes at least two (2) marketing tools to
highlight its Fear Free Certified Professionals to attain the
80 points.
Select all that apply:
Fear Free logo on practice website
Fear Free logo and/or certification mentioned on
certified team members' bio page
Fear Free certificates are publicly displayed in
practice
Fear Free logo on certified team members' business
cards
Fear Free Consumer Brochure available in reception
area and/or in exam rooms
Fear Free social media tools utilized, such as banners,
images, and posts provided by Fear Free (see
Fear Free toolbox)
Fear Free promotional video(s) posted on practice
website or other social media
Link to Fear Free Happy Homes on practice website
Other:
Fear Free Certified team members wear Fear Free trade
by wearing at least one (1) item from the following list.
Select all that apply:
Pins and/or patches
Stethoscope clip
Fear Free Treat Pouch
The practice is involved in community outreach at least
once a year to educate others about Fear Free. Target
audience must extend beyond practice's clientele.
Examples include educating the public at pet expos,
shelters, and rescues and speaking at schools, veterinary
managerial meetings, training clubs, breeder clubs, and
radio and television interviews. Can include in-person,
print, and online communications.
The practice provides a regular newsletter that utilizes the
Fear Free logo and Fear Free tips and resources to clients.
The practice incorporates Fear Free into appointment
reminders. (e.g., text, email, or postcard reminders)
Brief description
Brief description
Picture of display
Picture of business card
Weblink
Weblink
Two (2) most recent newsletters
Example of reminder
320 Total
130 Passing Score
Community Education and Marketing 12
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Details
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Culture, Training & Leadership
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
Considerate Approach, Gentle Control, and Touch Gradient are
employed by ALL practice team members during all interactions
with animals.
If a rise in FAS is noted due to a practice team member's abilities
during a procedure, steps are taken to reduce FAS by
employing a more experienced practice team member to
complete the procedure.
As per the Fear Free FAS Scale, owners of animals exhibiting
behaviors consistent with a sustained FAS score equal to or
greater than 4 will be counseled on rescheduling and/or
providing the animal with additional support to alleviate their
FAS, including but not limited to analgesia and/or sedation.
All practice team practice members exhibit an appropriate
demeanor consistent with Fear Free principles when they can be
seen and/or heard by clients and animals.
Practice maintains a mission statement that includes core Fear
Free principles.
The practice’s new-hire orientation process must demonstrate
inclusion of Fear Free definitions and goals.
SOPs for procedures that affect animals and/or clients must
include Fear Free principles. Two (2) SOP uploads are required.
Suggested topics include but are not limited to:
- General approach to patient handling (i.e., Restraint,
Gentle Control, Touch Gradient, Considerate Approach,
Wants vs. Needs)
- Contraindications to patient arriving hungry & feeding
during visit
- Removal of cats from carriers
- Cat enclosure hiding and/or perching options and medical
contraindications
- Enrichment for hospitalized patients, including owner
visitation
- Radiography
- Euthanasia
- Venipuncture
- IVC placement and removal
- Appointment scheduling (i.e., review of EMR, Fear Free
scheduling, bring pet in hungry, bring treats/food from
home)
Mission statement
New Hire Training Guide/Checklist
2 SOPs
Culture, Training & Leadership 13
Upload/Write-In
Details
Culture, Training & Leadership 14
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
Culture, Training & Leadership
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
6.8
6.9
6.10
80
70
70
The practice has at least one (1) Fear Free Champion
who monitors and supports fellow practice team
members’ Fear Free development. This includes ensuring
certified veterinary professionals earn at least four (4)
hours of Fear Free CE annually. Larger practices may
benefit from each department having its own Fear Free
Champion.
The practice holds team meetings at least once a month
with an agenda that includes at least one (1) Fear Free
topic.
The practice regularly recognizes and acknowledges
practice team members for their Fear Free milestones
and/or wins. Examples include but are not limited to:
Employee of the Week/ Month or/Quarter; during team
meetings; on a Fear Free bulletin board; via the practice
newsletter, website, or social media.
Brief description
Name(s)
Brief description
220 Total
150 Passing Score
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Details
Culture, Training & Leadership 15
Mandatory Standards
#
Standard
Tips, Tools &
Templates
Upload/Write-In
Required
Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.1
7.2
When an appointment is scheduled, the Emotional Medical
Record (EMR) is reviewed with the client and, if applicable, other
practice team members to prepare the client, patient, and
practice team members for the visit.
The review shall include:
Use of or previous recommendation for pre-visit FAS
intervention(s), including but not limited to PVN, PVP,
medication for motion sickness, and/or analgesia.
Reminders to bring patient in a little hungry +/- bring favorite
distractor (e.g., a toy, brushing) from home.
Exemptions: medical contraindications (e.g., a diabetic
patient) OR it is known that another type of distractor (e.g., a
toy, brushing) better manages the patient’s FAS
Unless medically contraindicated or other distraction strategies
have proven to be more effective (e.g., a toy, brushing), food is
used throughout the veterinary visit and the Treat Ladder is used
as needed.
1.
2.
Upload/Write-In
Details
Culture, Training & Leadership 16
Optional Standards
Points #
Standard
Upload/Write-In
Required
Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.3
7.4
70
90
Pre-Visit Preparation
Practice team members have knowledge of and provide
instructions to clients on how to deliver a calm pet to the
practice.
Practice must provide at least two (2) options from the
following list to attain the 70 points.
Select all that apply:
New clients are provided with information regarding
what to expect during their Fear Free Visit, such as
Fear Free Happy Homes 10 Things That Make Fear
Free Veterinary Visits Different (print or digital).
Clients are provided with/reminded of Fear Free
travel recommendations, such as Fear Free Happy
Homes How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit
and How to Make the Trip to the Veterinary Hospital
Fear Free (print or digital)
The Fear Free Pre-Visit Questionnaire is available to
clients on the practice website and/or is emailed to
the client prior to the appointment.
Unless medically contraindicated, owners are
instructed to give their pets treats before exiting the
car and/or in the parking lot on the way into the
practice.
Practice reserves specific hours for sensitive animals.
Practice provides Fear Free scheduling to avoid
bottlenecks and even the appointment flow.
Practice provides regular and consistent CAT ONLY
hours.
Arrival at the Practice
Practice team members have knowledge of and
demonstrate welcoming experiences consistent with the
Fear Free philosophy.
Practice must provide at least four (4) options from the
following list to attain the 90 points.
Select all that apply:
If/when environmental conditions permit, owners are
instructed to wait outside the practice with pet(s) until
there is less congestion in the reception area.
Alternative (not into reception area) entry to the
practice is utilized.
Owners and pets are moved directly into exam
rooms upon arrival.
Unless medically contraindicated, food is offered to
pet by CSR and/or owner.
Pheromones are used in reception area via diffusers
and/or impregnated bandana/towel provided to
patients upon arrival.
Cats in carriers are elevated (i.e. not placed on the
floor) whilst in reception area.
CSR confirms use of pre-visit FAS intervention(s),
including but not limited to PVN, PVP, medication for
motion sickness, and analgesia.
Reserved times
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Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.5
7.6
120
120
Outpatient Procedures and Experience
Practice team members have knowledge and
demonstrate appropriate use of Fear Free methods,
protocols, and procedures during outpatient care.
Practice must provide at least five (5) options from the
following list to attain the 120 points.
Select all that apply:
FAS score and response to food (if applicable)
recorded by the CSR is reviewed by nurse/assistant
and DVM.
Technician/Nurse/Assistant/DVM confirms use of
pre-visit FAS intervention(s), including but not limited
to PVN, PVP, medication for motion sickness, and
analgesia.
Exam room interruption is minimized by preparing
room in advance with anticipated supplies,
minimizing in and out flow of practice team
members, minimizing removal of animal from exam
room, and minimizing separation of pet(s) & owner.
Supplemental warmth is provided during
exams/procedures.
Calming music or masking sound is used in exam
rooms.
Pheromones used in exam rooms (must come from at
least one of the following: diffuser, on team members,
on handling tools).
Unless medically contraindicated, water is provided
in exam room during canine +/- feline visits.
A litter box is provided in exam room during feline visits.
Patients are routinely sedated and/or provided
injectable analgesia prior to radiographs.
Inpatient & Hospitalized Patient Procedures and
Experience
Practice team members have knowledge and
demonstrate appropriate use of Fear Free methods,
protocols, and procedures during inpatient care.
Practice must provide at least seven (7) options from the
following list to attain the 120 points.
Select all that apply:
FAS score and response to food (if applicable)
recorded by the CSR is reviewed by nurse/assistant
and DVM.
Technician/Nurse/Assistant/DVM confirms use of
pre-visit FAS intervention(s), including but not limited
to PVN, PVP, medication for motion sickness, and
analgesia.
Animals in need are provided with FAS
prevention/management options such as
pheromones, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and
compression garments.
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Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.780
Supplemental warmth is provided during exams and
procedures.
Nonslip flooring is provided in animal housing.
Visual blocks are provided in animal housing.
Visual blocks are provided for animals receiving
treatments.
Calming music or masking sound is provided in
treatment area.
Calming music or masking sound is provided in
animals housing wards.
Where animals are housed in the practice is done
thoughtfully to minimize FAS.
During their stay, animals are provided with familiar
items from home such as bedding, toys, food, and
cat litter.
Patients are routinely sedated and/or provided
injectable analgesia prior to radiographs.
Client Education to Improve Patient Experience During
Next Visit
Practice team members show knowledge and
demonstrate appropriate delivery of instructions to clients
regarding improving the patient's next visit.
Practice must provide at least two (2) options from the
following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Pre-visit FAS management interventions, including
but not limited to medication for motion sickness,
PVN, PVP, pheromones, analgesia, or compression
garments, are dispensed, prescribed, and/or
recommended.
A different appointment time or avoidance of a
"drop-off" appointment is recommended.
For chronic conditions/diseases where distraction is
not an effective method for providing Fear Free
medical care, practice recommends a DS/CCC
program with a qualified team member, such as a
Fear Free Certified animal trainer, other aversive-free
trainer, CAAB, or DACVB.
Owners of dogs that require muzzles for safety are
provided with Fear Free muzzle training client
education (print or digital).
Owners are provided with the Fear Free Happy
Homes How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit
handout (print or digital).
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Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.8
7.9
80
80
Client Education on Travel From Practice to Home &
Home Care
Practice team members show knowledge of and provide
instructions to clients regarding how to transport patient
home calmly and, if applicable, continue Fear Free care
at home.
Resources may be in print or digital form and
are provided to owners on an as-needed basis.
Practice must provide at least three (3) options from the
following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Owners are provided with crate and/or carrier
acclimation instructions.
Owners with multi-pet households are provided with
resources for reintegration of pets, such as Fear Free
Happy Homes How to Manage a Fear Free Return
Home.
Owners are provided with the Fear Free Happy
Homes How to Make the Trip to the Veterinary
Hospital Fear Free handout.
Instructions are provided and practice team member
confirms clients know how to administer medication
or treatment at home using Fear Free compatible
techniques.
When animal being discharged has been sedated,
anesthetized, or is compromised by a mechanical
device, clear instructions are provided to prevent
injury at home.
Patient Discharge
Practice team members have knowledge of and
demonstrate patient discharge experiences consistent
with the Fear Free philosophy.
Practice must provide at least two (2) options from the
following list to attain the 80 points.
Select all that apply:
Discharge instructions are reviewed in the exam
room.
Clients are invoiced in the exam room.
Supervised pet stays in exam room while owner is
invoiced by practice team member in reception
area.
One owner takes pet(s) outside or to car while
discharge instructions are reviewed and invoice is
completed with another owner.
Cats in carriers are elevated (i.e., not placed on the
floor) whilst in reception area.
Other steps are taken to minimize FAS during
checkout process.
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Patient Observation 19
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Patient Observation
FEAR FREE PRACTICE
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
7.1040 Communication of Fear Free Tools & Techniques to
Clients
Practice team members effectively communicate with
owners about Fear Free throughout the visit.
Practice must achieve both options indicated below to
attain the 40 points.
Fear Free efforts are communicated throughout the
practice visit.
Fear Free tools are accessible throughout the visit
and/or stay.
680 Total
410 Passing Score
Patient Observation 20
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Practice Certification Standards Summary Edited Jul2021

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Completed 21 September 2021

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