Stress-Free Care

For many pets, a visit to the veterinarian can be overwhelming.  Unfamiliar smells, noises, handling and new environments can all contribute to fear and anxiety.  

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Stress doesn't just affect how a pet feels.  It can also make examinations more difficult, reducing the accuracy of some clinical findings and results and also make future visits increasingly challenging.

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Our goal is to help every pet we see have a positive experience so they continue to receive the healthcare they need throughout their lives.

Oakleigh Central Vet is a Stress-Free accreditated clinic.  This means that our team have completed extensive specialised training in low-stress veterinary care.  This education focuses on recognising fear, anxiety and stress in pets and adapting our approach to help them feel safe, comfortable and in control throughout their visit.

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Every team member undergoes this initial training and regular updated education to maintain this accreditation.

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Stress-Free care and patient physical and mental wellbeing is imbedded into everything we do to look after your pet.

A calm environment

We have designed our hospital to minimise unnecessary stress whenever possible, including:

• Separate dog and cat hospital wards

• Heating and cooling for ambient temperature

• Quiet areas for recovering patients

• Gentle handling from the moment your pet arrives

• Time to allow nervous pets to settle before examinations

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Gentle, cooperative handling

We use cooperative care and low-stress handling techniques whenever possible.  

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This means we work with your pet rather than against them, using positive reinforcement, patience and careful observation of their body language.

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Instead of holding pets firmly, we aim to:

• Allow choice where appropriate

• Minimise restraint

• Use treats and rewards

• Pause if a pet becomes overwhelmed

• Tailor our approach to each individual animal

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Many dogs are happier being examined beside their family on a comfortable couch rather than on a consultation table, so whenever appropriate, we'll perform examinations there instead.

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Making cats feel more comfortable

Cats experience veterinary visits differently from dogs, so we adapt our approach specifically for them.  We use:

• Separate cat wards

• Cat-appeasing pheromone diffusers

• Cat-appeasing pheromone impregnated carry cage covers

• High spaces

• Quiet handling

• Towels and hiding options

• Minimal restraint

• Allowing cats to remain in the base of their carrier when appropriate

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Pheromones and calming aids

We use species-specific calming pheromones in appropriate areas of the clinic to help create a more familiar and reassuring environment for both dogs and cats.

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For some particularly anxious pets, we may also recommend pre-visit medications or supplements to help make future appointments more comfortable or hospital admissions less scary.

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Every pet is different

Some pets love coming to the clinic.  Others need a little extra time.

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Whether your pet is a confident puppy, a nervous rescue dog or a worried senior cat, we tailor our approach to their individual personality and previous experiences.

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Our aim is always the same - to provide excellent veterinary care while helping your pet feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

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You can help make your pet's visit easier by:

• Asking about pre-visit medication if previous visits have been stressful

• Letting us know if your pet is anxious or reactive

• Bringing your pets favourite treats or toys; make sure they are hungry when they come to see us, so they want the treats

• Helping your pet become comfortable with their carrier or lead at home

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If your pet feels anxious about visiting the vet, please let us know when booking your appointment.  We'll work with you to create a plan that helps make each visit as calm and positive as possible.

If you're interested in learning more about Stress-Free and how we can help your pet, please get in touch!