Denver, Colo. (May 21, 2020) — While birds need veterinary care just as much as dogs, cats, and other pets, that care can cause them to experience unnecessary fear, anxiety, and stress. Thanks to a certification program launched today by Fear Free, LLC, veterinary professionals have the power to not only ensure excellent health over their avian patients’ long lifespans but to also increase hospital revenue in a significant way.
Since 2016, Fear Free has provided online and in-person education to more than 75,000 veterinary and pet professionals. Its mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.
Designed by leading experts in avian medicine and behavior, the program’s nine-module course covers how to use Fear Free concepts to ensure that avian veterinary visits go as smoothly as possible. Video clips and slides demonstrate how to recognize signs of stress in avian patients, how to use simple tools to provide gentle control, how to train cooperative behaviors, and more. Upon completion, professionals will receive a total of eight RACE-approved CE hours.
The course’s lead author is Alicia McLaughlin, DVM, co-medical director of the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine. Dr. McLaughlin was joined by Anneliese Strunk DVM, DABVP Avian; Barbara Heidenreich, exotic animal training consultant and former president of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators; and Pamela Clark, CVT, CPBC, an IAABC-certified parrot behavior consultant.
“We know veterinary visits can be a source of stress for cats and dogs,” said Dr. Marty Becker, founder and CEO of Fear Free. “For birds, the negative emotional response to veterinary visits and routine care is even more significant, creating an urgent imperative for us as veterinary professionals to alleviate their suffering. This course will result in happier birds and owners as well as birds getting more and improved veterinary care.”
Veterinary professionals can learn more about Fear Free and sign up for the Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program – Avian at www.fearfreepets.com.
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