FARGO (KFGO) - If the trip to the vet with your cat or dog is something you dread because your pet experiences high anxiety, there are some animal clinics doing something to make that visit a lot less stressful.
Valley Veterinary Clinic in Fargo is among a growing number of animal hospital's nationwide that have become a Fear Free Clinic, doing what they can to make it a happy visit for your furry friend. That's done with treats throughout the appointment. There's even an organizic catnip with the catchy name Meowijuana. Pheromones are also used as are toys. That's a natural, animal produced hormone that can relax dogs and cats and clinic employees spray on themselves throughout the work day. Purchased over the counter, you can also use the spray to tame down pets prior to their visits.
Valley Vet's Doctor Derine Winning says Fear Free is long overdue. She says, "We know animals talk to us with body language. We know when they're uncomfortable. So this program takes it to the next step to do what we can to make an animal less uncomfortable."
This is Valley Vet's first year going Fear Free. All employees must go through training to become certified.